Targeted shooting at “tent city” in Prince George sends one person to hospital…

PRINCE GEORGE, BC: Police are currently investigating a shooting at the “tent city” homeless camp in the lower Patricia Blvd area of Prince George…

Police say shortly after 3:00 AM, officers responded to a report of shots fired near 5th Avenue and Ottawa Street.

When members arrived at the “tent city,” they located one female victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The female was transported to hospital for treatment of her injuries. The seriousness of her injuries is currently unknown.

Initial indications are that this incident does not appear to be a random attack, but rather a targeted event.

Officers remain on scene conducting neighbourhood canvassing, speaking with witnesses, and gathering physical evidence. The investigation is still in its early stages and officers will be in the area for an undetermined length of time.

“Police are aware that criminal activity in the area surrounding the “tent city” has increased,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations officer for the Prince George RCMP. “As a result, we have increased our patrols with expanded shift coverage in the area and are working with the city to mitigate the issues and to ensure the safety of the public.”

The City of Prince George has submitted a Supreme Court injunction for September 13 to transition the homeless out of the camps on George Street and the Lower Patricia Blvd area. Until then, occupants will not be required to leave the area but they have been warned about the upcoming injunction.