British Columbia

2 men sent to hospital after targeted shooting in Kelowna

Two men were shot in Kelowna, B.C. on Saturday. A 25-year-old is still in the hospital with life threatening injuries. The other victim is known to authorities and police say poses a risk to the public.

RCMP say shooting was targeted and one victim is known to police

Pandosy Street and K.L.O. Road in Kelowna, B.C., after a shooting Saturday night. Police say the shooting was a targeted attack. (Winston Szeto/CBC News)

A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries and another has been released from hospital after a targeted shooting in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday night.

Police say they responded to reports of shots fired at Pandosy Street and K.L.O. Road just before 7 p.m. When officers arrived, they found two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 

A 25-year-old resident of Surrey, B.C., is still in hospital with life-threatening injuries. West Kelowna resident Kyle Gianis, 37, was also transported to hospital but has since been released.

RCMP say they believe this was a targeted attack, and Gianis is known to law enforcement.

"Because of his criminal activities and associates, Mr. Gianis poses a threat to our community and the public in general," Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said in a statement. 

In 2007, Gianis's house was shot at 14 times in one night. 

RCMP say they found what they believe was an undetonated explosive device at the scene of the shooting, and they expect the area to be closed for a while until crews can assess the device. (Winston Szeto/CBC News)

While on scene on Saturday, RCMP discovered what they believed to be an undetonated explosive device.

"Police immediately cordoned off the area. It will remain closed until officers with the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit have safely dealt with the device," Noseworthy said.

The area may be closed for some time, Noseworthy said, because the Explosives Disposal Unit has to travel to Kelowna to respond. 

No arrests have been made. Police say witnesses spotted a male driver fleeing the scene in a silver SUV. 

Those with information on the incident are urged to contact Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Those who would like to remain anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppers.net

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bailey Martens is a journalist at CBC News in Vancouver. You can reach her at bailey.martens@cbc.ca.