Man charged after string of shootings in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A 22-year-old has been charged following a string of three shootings in less than seven days in Fort St. John. 

In a press release issued by the Fort St. John RCMP on October 30th, officers named Evan Kenneth Love as the person apprehended yesterday, October 29th. 

This comes after three shootings over the past week: the first was on Friday, October 24th, the second at Peace Country Mobile Home Park on October 28th and the third saw one person injured on October 29th around 96th Street, prompting the road to be closed.

Officers allege that when Love was arrested, he was wearing body armour and had a loaded firearm. 

They also allege they found a shotgun, a 3D-printed handgun and “drug trafficking paraphernalia” in a search of a residence they say is linked to Love.

Love has now been charged with assault, dangerous operation of a conveyance, unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm, possession of a firearm without licence or registration, altering a firearm serial number, breach of release order, possession of body armour without a permit and two counts of uttering threats.

He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for November 3rd, 2025.

Fort St John RCMP Plain Clothes Unit commander, Sergeant Ian Rissanen, said officers believe the shootings were “connected and part of ongoing gang-related conflict involving individuals and groups known within Fort St. John, across the region and interprovincially.”

He alleged the violence is being “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,” he added.

The Fort St. John RCMP Street Enforcement Team is working to disrupt illegal gun and drug activity, while frontline members are engaged in overt enforcement, Rissanen said. 

“Investigators are working to identify those responsible and trace the origin of the firearms to hold all involved accountable and protect public safety.”

Mayor Lilia Hansen issued a statement to Energeticcity.ca in the wake of the incidents: “Violence of any kind has no place in our community.

“I am confident that the RCMP will find those responsible and, thanks to recent federal changes on crime and bail, courts will hold them accountable. 

“Council continues to work with the RCMP, provincial government and local organizations to address the root causes of crime.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100.