Gang violence: Caribou man considered a danger to the community, BC RCMP warn

A man from British Columbia’s Central Interior has been declared a potential danger to his community.

On Saturday, Williams Lake police issued a public warning saying that people who know Lashway Merritt should not be in close proximity to him because of the man’s alleged criminal activity and high level of violence.

“Williams Lake RCMP is issuing a public warning and identifying him so that family, friends, associates and the public can take steps to increase their personal safety,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Clarke.

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Police said Merritt is 29 years old and was recently the victim of a 2022 shooting that was believed to be gang-related.

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“Williams Lake RCMP believe this individual may still be at risk of gang-related violence,” Clark said.

“This not only poses a risk to the individual, but also to anyone who comes in contact with them or anyone who is around them.”

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The RCMP told Global News, “while we would not normally release the identity of a crime victim, the fact that he was the victim of a shooting, at such a public event as the (Williams Lake) Stampede, reinforces the reason why we have issued this public warning .”

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Caribou Township police say they are continuing their efforts “to prevent gang-related violence through enforcement and suppression to send a clear message that gang-related violence will not be tolerated in Williams Lake.”

Police say anyone with information about violence or suspicious activity can report it by calling 911.

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