In the story called ‘Shots fired at semi-trucks near Burns Lake’ published in the Lakes District News’ March 29 issue, police had arrested a suspect in Chilliwack following a 14-hour crime spree that stretched through northern B.C.
The suspect, Peter Anthony Kampos, 38, has now been charged with attempted murder in connection with a March 25 shooting that allegedly occurred in Chilliwack following the 14-hour crime spree.
On March 25, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Chilliwack RCMP received a report that a man had been shot in the area of the Ford Mountain Forest Road. Police learned that the victim had fled the suspect and managed to find help when he came upon Canadian Forces personnel working at a range on Chilliwack Lake Road. Persons in attendance, including military police and reservists, provided first aid to the victim who was then airlifted to a Lower Mainland hospital.
“Due to the exceptional efforts of all first responders and medical staff, the 39-year-old Chilliwack resident survived and has non-life threatening injuries,” said RCMP spokesperson staff sergeant Annie Linteau.
Given the new information about the Chilliwack shooting and that the suspect was believed to be armed and dangerous, police requested the assistance of the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, the Integrated Police Dog Service and Air Services. An extensive ground and air search of the area was conducted. Members of the Integrated Police Dog Service and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, who were nearby, proceeded on foot up the Ford Mountain Forest Service Road through steep terrain to locate the suspect.
At approximately 5:10 pm, they located the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. The man’s vehicle was located nearby.
Police are also continuing their investigation into the series of vehicle shootings that spanned over a 14-hour period, beginning March 24 at 1 p.m. and allegedly involving a 2009 4 door, blue Dodge Caliber bearing Ontario license plate CAVM918. Reports of shots were received near Burns Lake, Houston, Vanderhoof, Clucuz Lake, Prince George, Quesnel and 100 Mile House.
Police are asking anyone who may have been the victim of a suspicious incident allegedly involving the suspect or suspect vehicle described above to contact their local police. So far, police have received 22 reports of commercial trucks believed to have been shot and one report involving a passenger vehicle.
“We are asking those who may have travelled Hwy. 37 on March 24, 2017 between Kitimat and Terrace, Hwy. 16 between Terrace and Prince George as well as Hwy. 97 from Prince George to 100 Mile House to carefully examine their vehicle for suspicious damage,” said Linteau. “We are asking anyone who may have been the victim of a suspicious incident allegedly involving Mr. Kampos or the vehicle he was driving to contact their local detachment.”
Investigators of the Chilliwack Serious Crime Unit are continuing their investigation of the incident that occurred in the Ford Mountain Forest Service Road area which will include looking at Kampos’ movements prior to March 24 and possible motivations.
Kampos remains in custody and is believed to be from Ontario.
- With files from Chilliwack Progress