In response to the recent outbreak of gang violence in Dawson Creek, Mayor Darcy Dober is reaffirming the city’s commitment to ensuring community safety.
“They’re throwing everything in Dawson Creek right now to make sure this stuff is mitigated, and really, for the safety of our community and our members,” Dober told CJDC-TV.
The statement comes on the heels of an RCMP release notifying residents of an increased police presence due to ongoing gang conflicts in the Peace Region.
“I have full confidence in our staff sergeant and our local members that they do, day in and day out, everything they can to make sure our community is a safer place,” said Dober.
Members of the BC RCMP, including those from the North District Major Crime, North District General Investigation Section, Uniformed Gang Enforcement Team, ‘E’ Division, along with Mounties from surrounding detachments, have been deployed to Dawson Creek to actively patrol the area.
The increased police measures are aimed at curbing the recent violence and apprehending those responsible.
This marks the second time units from the BC RCMP have been called into the city, following a rash of gun violence in 2023 that RCMP deemed related to drug or gang activity.
“It’s disheartening, given how hard everyone’s worked to make it a safer community,” said Dober.
He also expressed relief that an incident on January 17th, where an officer was shot at by a suspect evading police after a drive-by shooting on 119th Avenue, did not have more severe consequences.
“When you have a member being fired at—it’s just wrong. Those guys and ladies, and members are out there every day protecting our community and I’m not okay with that,” explained Dober.
Both the mayor and RCMP continue to encourage residents to report any criminal activity. However, police tell CJDC that the recent violence is targeted and does not pose a threat to general public safety.
“Through proactive policing measures, we are committed to ensuring community safety in Dawson Creek,” said Inspector Steve McLeod, Operations Officer, North District RCMP.