Members of the Sooke RCMP Detachment responded to complaints of automatic weapons fire in the Otter Point area last night, June 21st, at approximately 9:00 pm. While en route to the area to determine the origin of the gun fire, police encountered a vehicle driving away. The vehicle was stopped and the five occupants were detained.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a 12 gauge shotgun, a semi-automatic SKS assault rifle, magazines and ammunition were located. Other potential weapons including bearspray and knives, along with a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marihuana, and numerous cellular telephone were also located and seized.

A 34 year-old male from Sooke, three from Colwood (two males, 25 and 28, and a 26 year old female), and a 30 year old female from Langford, remain in custody.

“While we are still investigating, it appears that the group were target shooting in the area, and honing their firearms skills. The quick response to this call by experienced and tenacious officers on duty is commendable, their ability to see outside of the box and recognise this vehicle as one which was out of the place, is a testament to their excellent operational skills as police officers,” states S/Sgt. Jeff McArthur, Detachment Commander of the Sooke RCMP.

The males are known to police, one of whom has a lifetime firearms prohibition from previous convictions, while another is currently subject to bail conditions which include not to possess weapons. Charges related to these court imposed conditions, as well as possession of prohibited weapons, and possession of controlled substances for trafficking are being pursued.

The investigation is ongoing and the five are expected to appear before a Judicial Justice of the Peace later this afternoon.

Although the investigation is in the early stages, investigators do not believe this investigation has any connection to the shooting which occurred on Ella Road, in Sooke, BC last Tuesday, June 14th.

Released by:

S/Sgt. Jeff McARTHUR, Detachment Commander

Sooke RCMP