An RCMP collar tab pin is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

By The Canadian Press

Police take down armed man wearing body armour after shootings in Fort St. John, B.C.

Oct 30, 2025 | 3:14 PM

FORT ST. JOHN — Police say a 22-year-old man has been charged over a string of gun-related incidents in Fort St. John, B.C., where he was allegedly found wearing body armour and carrying a loaded gun, prompting a “take-down” arrest.

Mounties in the city in northeastern B.C. say officers responded to a shots-fired report on 96th Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday, finding one person had been injured by gunfire while another appeared to be unharmed.

Police issued a statement saying it marked the third shooting in a week, a spate of violence Mounties connected to gang conflict in the region.

Later that same morning, RCMP say members of the street enforcement team conducted a “take-down” arrest of a man linked to the recent uptick in shootings.

Police say officers searched a home linked to the man, seizing a shotgun and 3D-printed handgun as well as drug-trafficking paraphernalia.

Spruce Kings fall in Langley to Rivermen

19h ago

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Judge to rule on Canada Post employee's sexual assault and harassment case

Dec 13, 2025

Weather Alerts

Freezing rain warning issued for Prince George-area, snowfall warning remains for Williston, Pine Pass

Dec 13, 2025

They say the man faces charges including assault, uttering threats, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, altering a firearm serial number, possessing body armour without a permit and breaching a release order.

The man remains in custody with a court appearance set for Nov. 3.

Sgt. Ian Rissanen says the recent shootings are connected to ongoing gang conflict in Fort St. John, across the region and “interprovincially.”

He says the violence appears to be driven by disputes related to the sale and purchase of illicit drugs and “efforts by groups to assert control.”

While the incidents have been targeted, he says gunfire puts the public at risk.

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

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press