'Over 100' rounds fired during shootings in and around Merritt, B.C., mayor says
Shots fired in several areas early Tuesday but mayor says no one was hurt
Nobody was hurt in a series of shootings in and around Merritt, B.C., before dawn on Tuesday despite dozens of rounds being fired, according to the city's mayor.
Shots were fired in Merritt, in the community of Coldwater to the city's southwest, and in the Mamit Lake Road area to the north between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. PT.
"There was over 100-plus rounds fired," Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz said in an interview after speaking with police.
"Nobody was hit, nobody was hurt," he added. "I'm just grateful nobody was injured and that the RCMP were on top of it as quickly as they were."
The Lower Nicola Indian Band issued a notice on its website Tuesday asking its residents to stay inside, saying the suspect or suspects have been described as driving a dark pickup truck or jeep.
RCMP confirmed its officers are investigating the shootings, which are believed to have been targeted and connected.
"We do not believe there is any further risk to the public and will have a significant police presence in these areas as we move forward with the investigations," Sgt. Josh Roda wrote in a statement.
Mounties did not say whether any arrests have been made.
CBC News has contacted the detachment for more information.
With files from Marcella Bernardo