UPDATE: 6:37 p.m.
Thousands of people were evacuated from the Williams Lake stampede grounds after a shooting on Sunday afternoon, according to the president of the Williams Lake Stampede.
In a video posted to the stampede’s Facebook page, Court Smith addressed the incident, which happened at about 3:30 p.m.
“I just wanted to inform everybody that after an unforeseen event here at our stampede, there were thousands of our patrons [that] were evacuated safely,” Smith said.
“We have been informed by the RCMP that there are two people sent to the hospital. There were no other injuries. Our announcer did a fantastic job of having people exit the facility. Things are returning a bit to normal.”
In a statement, RCMP Sgt. Kris Clark said Williams Lake police arrested one suspect, and an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
“Preliminary information suggests that this incident was targeted and no further risk remains to the public,” Clark said.
Clark said two people were taken to hospital as a result of the incident. The extent of their injuries are unknown at this time.
Anyone with information or video of the incident who hasn’t yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Williams Lake RCMP at 250-392-6211.
ORIGINAL: 5:47 p.m.
One suspect has been arrested after a shooting at the Williams Lake stampede grounds on Sunday afternoon, according to police.
In a statement, RCMP Sgt. Kris Clark said Williams Lake RCMP responded to a report of a shooting in the stampede grounds on Sunday afternoon, about 3:30 p.m.
“Two people suffering from unspecified injuries have been taken to a local area hospital and one suspect is in custody,” Clark said.
“Preliminary information suggests that this incident was targeted and no further risk remains to the public.”
The Williams Lake Stampede — held this weekend for the first time in two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic — had a bull riding event scheduled on Sunday.
A post on the Williams Lake Stampede Facebook Page said attendees were evacuated from the area after an incident Sunday afternoon.
“There was a very serious incident during our bull riding event this afternoon. We have evacuated the public from our grandstands,” the post said.
Clark told Castanet Kamloops that police were still active on scene investigating.
Anyone with information or video of the incident who hasn’t yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Williams Lake RCMP at 250-392-6211.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
