Police make an arrest as Peace Region grapples with recent gang violence

A wave of gang-related violence in the Peace Region has led to a major arrest this week, as police work to contain a growing turf conflict that has spilled into local neighborhoods.

Local RCMP have arrested 22-year-old Evan Kenneth Love in relation to recent shootings in the North Peace. During one incident a person was shot in an early morning shooting close to the 9500 block of 96^th Street on October 29^th, just before 4am.

The Street Enforcement Team (SET) took down Evan Kenneth Love in relation to the shooting later the same morning, where he was in possession of a loaded firearm and wearing body armor at the time of arrest according to the release.

“We can confirm the recent shootings are connected and part of an ongoing gang-related conflict involving individuals and groups known within Fort St. John, across the region, and interprovincially,” said RCMP Plain Clothes Unit Commander Sergeant Ian Rissanen in a media release. “The violence appears to be driven by disputes related to the sale and purchase of illicit drugs, as well as efforts by groups to assert control. While the incidents are targeted, any gunfire puts the public at risk — a concern the RCMP takes very seriously.”

A search warrant for a residence linked to Love was searched by the police later that evening where they located a shotgun, a 3D printed handgun, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia.

Love is now facing various charges including Assault, Possession of Body Armor without a Permit, Possession of a Firearm without License or Registration, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited/Restricted Firearm, Altering a Firearm Serial Number, Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance, Breach of Release Order, and Uttering Threats.

Love’s next court date is November 3, and he has been remanded into custody until then according to the release.

“Although we can only share limited information while investigations are ongoing, any details that could enhance public safety will be communicated promptly,” stated Rissanen.

“The Fort St. John RCMP is actively investigating and conducting enforcement. Our Street Enforcement Team is focused on disrupting illegal gun and drug activity, while frontline members are engaged in overt enforcement. Investigators are working to identify those responsible and trace the origin of the firearms to hold all involved accountable and protect public safety”.

The RCMP believe the shooting incidents to be related to an ongoing gang conflict throughout the Peace, and that their swift takedown of Love may have prevented another shooting.

The Fort St. John RCMP would like to speak with anyone who might have information that can further this investigation and can be reached by at 250-787-8100.