Fort St. John has experienced a troubling rise in gun violence over the past two weeks, culminating in the arrest of a suspect linked to multiple shooting incidents.
The violence began on October 16, when a 37-year-old man was discovered severely beaten in a ditch near Baldonnel. Emergency responders found him conscious but incoherent, with injuries covering most of his body. He was transported to Fort St. John Hospital, where he required intubation for several days. RCMP appealed to the public for any information, including dashcam or surveillance footage, to help identify those responsible.
On October 28, the Peace Country Mobile Home Park became the scene of another incident. Police were called to reports of gunfire shortly before 1 p.m. A male suspect was arrested later that day, and authorities seized a vehicle for forensic examination. No injuries were reported, and investigators believe the shooting was targeted.
The situation escalated the following morning, October 29, when a person was shot near the 9500 block of 96th Avenue. Witnesses reported multiple gunshots, prompting RCMP to block off the area for a forensic investigation. Hours later, Fort St. John RCMP’s Street Enforcement Team conducted a vehicle takedown, arresting 22-year-old Evan Kenneth Love. Love was wearing body armor and carrying a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest. A subsequent search of a residence linked to Love uncovered additional firearms, a 3D-printed handgun, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Love faces multiple charges, including assault, dangerous operation of a vehicle, uttering threats, unauthorized possession of firearms, altering a firearm serial number, and possession of body armor without a permit. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance on November 3.
RCMP say the recent incidents are connected and part of ongoing gang-related conflicts involving disputes over illicit drugs. While the shootings appear targeted, police emphasize that any use of firearms puts the public at risk. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Fort St. John RCMP to aid ongoing investigations.
These events highlight a persistent issue of gang violence in the region, with law enforcement focused on disrupting illegal firearms and drug activity to protect the community.
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