Author: Grace Campbell

British Columbia’s independent police watchdog has cleared the RCMP in Prince George of wrongdoing in the death of a man in 2024 while in custody. The Independent Investigations Office reported that the man was arrested on November 6, 2024, for public intoxication. The man became unresponsive while held in a police cell and died in hospital a few days later. The investigation relied on witness testimony and video evidence, which showed the man was resistant while in custody. He reportedly kicked the back of a police vehicle and pushed officers at the station. Officers pulled the man off a bench…

British Columbia has announced two new involuntary care facilities to help patients with severe mental illness. Premier David Eby revealed that Prince George and Surrey will host the facilities, which will provide 100 new beds. These new units build on two existing facilities in the province. One is located at the Surrey pretrial centre and the other at the Alouette correctional centre. Together, the first two units currently house up to 28 patients. “We are working to do this in every region of the province, so people get treatment and care and dignity close at home in ways that make…

A 32-year-old man has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with a 2023 killing at a Prince George apartment complex. The case has drawn attention because of its location near the city’s downtown core and the violent events that occurred. The incident took place on March 7, 2023, at the Connaught Hill Residences, a highrise apartment building located less than 500 metres from city hall. Police were called to the building after reports of gunfire and an altercation inside the property. When officers arrived, they discovered clear signs of violence, including blood at the scene, and later confirmed the death…

Police confirmed that the reported Prince George bomb threat at the courthouse was false after a tense investigation on Friday. The call triggered a large-scale emergency response, with officers evacuating the courthouse, shutting down parts of downtown, and treating the situation as a high-risk event before clearing the area. Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of the RCMP said that officers have now reopened the courthouse and surrounding businesses. She explained that members of the public are being allowed back into the downtown core after several hours of closure. Cooper thanked residents and business owners for cooperating with police instructions and staying out…

The City of Prince George has received court approval to dismantle a homeless encampment that has existed for several years. A judge ruled that the city has taken proper steps to provide housing and shelter for people without homes, clearing the way for enforcement of bylaws and closure of the site. The encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard was first established in 2021. It quickly grew and by that summer had around 70 tents and makeshift shelters. For years, the city faced challenges in its attempts to close the camp. Courts blocked earlier efforts, saying unhoused people had to be allowed…

A Prince George RCMP officer was injured in a crash after a driver struck their vehicle while severely impaired. The officer’s injuries are non-life-threatening. The crash occurred Monday, Aug. 11, around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Monterey Road and Highway 97 North. RCMP responded after reports of a collision involving two vehicles. When officers arrived, they found an unmarked RCMP vehicle had been hit from behind by a grey 2003 Toyota Tundra. The RCMP vehicle was stopped at a red light at the time of the collision. RCMP officers suspected the Tundra driver was under the influence of alcohol.…

Prince George police have arrested three youths after a robbery and assault on a woman late on August 6. Officers responded around 11 p.m. to the 700 block of Central Street after multiple reports that a female was being attacked near a bank parking lot, according to local police. The suspects, a group of three youths, approached the victim, assaulted her, and stole her bank card and money. They also tried to take her vehicle keys but fled when police arrived at the scene. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries that are not life-threatening. Thanks to quick…

Prince George, British Columbia, has given its beloved playground fire truck a fresh start in a new location. The iconic play structure, cherished by generations of children, was recently moved to ensure it remains safe and accessible. For many years, the playground fire truck was a standout feature in a local park. It was more than just a playset; it was a symbol of fun, imagination, and community spirit. Children climbed, pretended to drive, and created countless memories around the bright red fire truck. However, as time passed, the structure began to show signs of wear. Safety concerns arose due…

Wildfire smoke from ongoing fires in the Bulkley-Nechako and Cariboo regions has been drifting toward Prince George. Although Environment Canada’s health warnings on Monday and Tuesday were lifted as the city’s air cleared, the risk of smoky conditions remains. Winds may shift and bring smoke back to Prince George residents. A special air quality statement remains active for Prince George. This warning extends along Highway 16 from Bednesti Lake to Upper Fraser (Willow River) and along Highway 97 from Hixon to the southern edge of McLeod Lake. The smoke is coming mainly from fires in the Bulkley-Nechako zone. According to…

The head of the RCMP’s union has voiced strong concern over what he says are unacceptable delays in police oversight investigations. This comes after a BC police watchdog referred a Prince George shooting case to prosecutors more than four years after the incident. The case stems from a May 31, 2021 traffic stop in Prince George that turned violent. During the stop, which took place near Victoria Street and 15th Avenue, police discharged a firearm. One man was seriously hurt and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. This week, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of British Columbia announced that…