Shooting in Kelowna that sent 2 men to hospital was targeted, say police
Police say they’ve found an explosive device at the scene of a double shooting that happened in Kelowna on Saturday evening.
Kelowna RCMP have also released the name of one of the shooting victims, and allege that his criminal ties make him a threat to the community.
First responders were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. and found two men with gunshot wounds. They were both rushed to hospital, and RCMP say they believe the incident was targeted.
In their investigation, police say they found an explosive. They were still at the scene on Sunday at noon.
“Frontline officers located what is believed to be an undetonated improvised explosive device,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy in a statement. “Police immediately cordoned off the area. It will remain closed until officers with the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit have safely dealt with the device.”
The incident happened in a busy commercial area near Pandosy Street and KLO Road.
Video taken by an onlooker after the incident shows paramedics working behind yellow tape. Emergency responders can be seen wheeling a man with short hair on a gurney towards a waiting ambulance.
One victim, a 25-year-old Surrey man, was still in hospital as of Sunday midday, and police say his injuries are life-threatening.
The other victim, 37-year-old West Kelowna resident Kyle Gianis, was treated for non-life threatening injuries and has been released from the hospital, say RCMP.
B.C. court documents show that a man named Kyle Alexander Gianis, born in 1983, has a criminal record dating back to 2005. U.S. court documents also show that he was sentenced to 13 years in prison south of the border after an American jury found him guilty of drug smuggling.
Kelowna RCMP allege that Gianis’ criminal ties make him a threat to the community.
“We have reason to believe this was a targeted attack on these two men,” said Insp. Beth McAndie of the Kelowna RCMP in a statement.
“Because of his criminal activities and associates, Mr. Gianis poses a threat to our community and the public in general, and we are putting all our resources into investigating this newest incident.”
According to police, witnesses reported a man fleeing the scene in a silver SUV. No arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or call Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.