A 20-year-old UVic student who suffered critical injures in a hit-and-run in Saanich on July 15th remains in a coma, according to her family.

Aisha Strange was on her way to work on her scooter when she was suddenly struck by a blue Dodge Caravan just before 7 a.m at the corner of McKenzie Avenue and Shelbourne Street.

After the collision between the two vehicles, the 25-year-old male driver of the minivan continued to drive east on McKenzie Avenue, when he then struck a telephone pole near the intersection at Larchwood Drive.

After hitting the pole, the driver then abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot which is when police located and arrested him a short time later.

According to a statement released by the family today, Strange suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury in the incident.

A GoFundMe page has been setup to assist the family during this difficult time. The full statement from the family is below.

Statement from Family of Aisha Strange

On July 15th at 7:00 am, on her way to work, Aisha Strange was the victim of a hit and run on McKenzie and Shelbourne in Victoria. She was struck by a van while sitting on her moped. The driver who hit her attempted to flee the scene but was arrested a short distance away.

He is now being investigated for impaired driving offences. Aisha suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury that will impact her short and long-term future in unknowable ways. This bright, vibrant and innocent young lady has been in a coma since the time of the accident and it remains uncertain when she will regain consciousness.

The tragedy happened while Aisha was on her way to her summer job, where she adored her role working with a diverse and special group of kids. She is a student at the University of Victoria studying political science and anthropology, both subjects for which she has a huge passion. She has plans of one day going to law school or further pursuing her love of teaching.

Aisha is a kind and generous person, who delights in adding humour and joy to the people around her. She’s a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to so many people that love her dearly. The community of people that Aisha touches in such positive ways are all suffering from this senseless act.

The results of this senseless act have been a nightmare for her family and friends. Aisha’s parents, who live in Calgary, have dropped everything to move their lives to Victoria and be with her. Doctors say recovery from her injuries will be a very long journey, with unpredictable outcomes.

If you want to help and are able to contribute, funds raised will be used to support transportation, adaptive living, and a host of other supports for this amazing family during this devastating time and for their uncertain future.

As British Columbia moves to eliminate MSP premiums for all residents by 2020, one group of people will continue to contribute to the province’s health care system.

An updated payment system will ensure that international students in BC will pay $75 per month for health care coverage starting January 1st, 2020, when MSP premiums will be eliminated for all other residents.

See also: Provincial legislation moves to eliminate MSP premiums by 2020

To phase in this new system, all international K-12 and post-secondary students will begin paying a monthly health-care coverage fee of $37.50.

“For almost 30 years, B.C. has provided international students with provincial health coverage, while asking them to contribute a reasonable amount to help cover those costs. This updated payment method for international students continues that commitment,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“We have an exceptional health-care system in B.C., and we want to ensure it remains a fair system for everyone,” said Dix.

“In eliminating MSP premiums for British Columbians and through the health services fee for post-secondary and K-12 international students, we’re ensuring that we all continue to contribute to and benefit from public health care in B.C.”

Employer Health Tax

To replace the MSP premium model, the Employer Health Tax (EHT) was introduced on January 1st, 2019.

The move shifts the majority of healthcare costs from individuals to businesses, which has been met with mixed reception.

In October 2018, the Ministry of Finance assured business owners that less than 5% of BC businesses will pay the full EHT rate of 1.95%, with the majority of small business being bolstered by a $500,000 exemption amount.

British Columbia is the only province in Canada to still charge a monthly health-care premium.

ICBC has unveiled a pilot project to track and monitor how new drivers behave.

The program, called Techpilot, is set to launch in November 2019 and requires up to 7,000 participants to register to take part for one year.

Registrants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must have a smartphone with a data plan,
• Access to a vehicle
• Received your Class 7N driver’s licence within the last four years OR
• Your combined driving experience (7N and full licence) is less than four years

Those who are confirmed participants will install a small telematics device in the vehicle they’re driving, download a smartphone app and pair them.

See also:

• Here’s how you have to file vehicle injury claim disputes with ICBC starting today
• ICBC can now revoke your driver’s license if you don’t pay child support
• ICBC limiting use of experts in legal disputes to reduce $1.2B projected net loss

Then, the driver continues travelling as they normally would. For one year, the device and smartphone will record data on things like distance, speed, and braking.

As an incentive participants will receive rewards in the form of gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants.

In a press release, ICBC explains that drivers’ performance will not affect insurance premiums, and that the purpose of this project is to determine how ICBC might use telematics technology in the future.

According to the crown corporation, new drivers in BC are 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a serious crash.

Click here to participate in the Techpilot project.

A GoFundMe has been created to support the recovery costs of an 89-year-old man who was the victim of a vicious, unprovoked attack in Courtenay.

89-year-old Robert Plumb was inside his vehicle, delivering newspapers – as he did for 15 years with his late wife – at around 4:15 a.m in the 400-block of 5th Street on Wednesday, July 31st.

See also: Suspect sought after 89-year-old man attacked with machete in downtown Courtenay

That is when he was approached by a man on a bicycle who asked him for a cigarette.

When Plumb told the man that he did not have any cigarettes, the suspect allegedly assaulted him with what appeared to be a machete.

Plumb then drove himself to the Comox Valley RCMP detachment to report the attack. He
suffered multiple wounds to his facial area and was taken to hospital.

“It’s absolutely unreal…”

The description in the GoFundMe created by his family states that Plumb is undergoing surgery as doctors attempt to salvage his eye after it was badly damaged in the attack.

“He has multiple other wounds from fighting off his attacker. It’s absolutely unreal that a human being could do this to another,” writes granddaughter Janelle Karatsiki in the GoFundMe.

“The outcome is still unknown at this time but we have had an overwhelming response with people wanting to help so this is where you can do that.”

The goal of the fundraiser is $10,000 and as of the time of publication has received approximately $5,900.

Karatsiki states that all funds raised will go towards supporting Plumb in his medical recovery both physically and mentally. Any extra funds will be donated to a charity of his choice. Click here to donate.

https://www.facebook.com/raymond.corbett.12/posts/10162227045630096

Comox Valley RCMP are also seeking public assistance in locating the suspect.

He has been described as being young, possibly in his 20s, with a dark complexion, and was wearing something on his head at the time of the incident.

“At this point in the investigation, the attack appears to be completely unprovoked,” said Const. Monika Terragni, media relations officer for the Comox Valley RCMP.

“Investigators have been scouring the area for evidence but we are looking for anyone who may have seen the suspect or for anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage during the early morning hours downtown,” she added.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2019-11772. Additionally, you can send video footage directly to the Comox Valley RCMP at comoxvalleyrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and an investigator will follow up.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Vancouver Island’s first government-run BC Cannabis Store (BCCS) opened its doors in Campbell River Wednesday morning.

The store is located at the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre at 1416 Island Highway, and is amongst the first of 15 locations that BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch plans to open by the end of 2019.

“We are very excited to be opening two more BC Cannabis Stores today,” said Kevin Satterfield, Director of Retail Operations, Cannabis Operations, in a statement.

“We are committed to being good neighbours and integrating into the communities of Cranbrook and Campbell River.”

See also: Province shuts down unlicensed cannabis dispensary near Mayfair

The Campbell River store will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

The location will offer a range of products, like dried cannabis flower, pre-rolled joints, capsules, and oils, all approved by Health Canada.

According to the Liquor Distribution Branch, the BC Cannabis Store will be run by 16 employees, with a special focus on staff checking the ID of anyone who appears to be under 30 years of age while ensuring that customers are above the age of 19 when they enter the store.

While no exact dates have been announced yet, the province plans to open more government-run cannabis stores on the island with locations in Port Alberni, Courtenay, and Parksville.

Check out photos Vancouver Island’s first government-run cannabis store below:

BC Cannabis Store 

• Where: Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre, 1416 Island Highway
• Hours:
  • Mondays to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Calling all 90s kids!

After years of on-again off-again production, the popular 90s cereal brand, Trix, is returning to Canadian shelves permanently.

First launched in 1994, Trix established itself in 90s pop culture for its fruity flavours,iconic rabbit mascot, and their catchy slogan ‘Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!’

See also: 90’s favourite Clearly Canadian now available at Thrifty Foods

After a decade of sugary glory, the cereal was discontinued in 2005, except for a few runs of limited-time production with the most recent run occurring in 2016.

“Over the years, Trix has had a dedicated following with fans longing for their favourite cereal to return to their bowls. We heard them and are excited to bring back the iconic fruity shapes to add some joy to their breakfast,” said Fawad Farrukh, Associate Marketing Director for General Mills Cereal Canada in a statement.

“People loved Trix cereal in the ‘90s, and today we’re delighted to not only bring it back to them, but also introduce it to a whole new generation of Canadians.”

While no exact return date was given by General Mills, the cereal giant said that Canadians can expect to see the nostalgic breakfast item on the shelves of all major retailers by the end of summer 2019.

Check out a commercial of the cereal from 1996 below:

Love it or hate it, Beyond Meat vegan products have taken the country by storm.

For those who enjoy the plant-based substitute or those who are just looking to try it out, the food producer has launched an online map of where to find their products close to home.

See also: Purdys Chocolatier is launching its first ever vegan chocolate across Canada

Currently, there are 30 locations where you can pick up Beyond Meat products near the downtown core, which range from grocery stores like Thrifty Foods, to fast food chains like Tim Hortons, to fully seated restaurants like the Old Spaghetti Factory.

The Beyond Meat map, including exactly which product is available at each location, can be found online here.

A full list of each location that carries Beyond Meat products can be found below:

• The Old Spaghetti Factory
  – 703 Douglas Street
• Real Canadian Superstore
  – 835 Langford Parkway
• Quesada
  – 576 Yates Street
• Country Grocer
  – 1153 Esquimalt Road
• White Spot
  – 710 Caledonia Avenue
  – 1871 Fort Street
• Thrifty Foods
  – 475 Simcoe Street
  – 1590 Fairfield Road
  – 1580 Hillside Avenue
  – 3475 Quadra Street
• A&W
  – 1150 Douglas Street
  – 3147 Douglas Street
  – 3335 Douglas Street
  – 860 Esquimalt Road
  – 1644 Hillside Avenue
  – 3667 Shelbourne Street
• Tim Hortons
  – 1410 Blanshard Street
  – 2680 Blanshard Street
  – 2950 Douglas Street
  – 3253 Douglas Street
  – 754 Fort Street
  – 456a Gorge Road East
  – 880 Esquimalt Road
  – 1258 Esquimalt Road
  – 1952 Bay Street
  – 1700 Hillside Avenue
  – 1950 Foul Bay Road
  – 3501 Ravine Way
• Panago
  – 1108 Yates Street
  – 1249 Esquimalt Road

Let us know if you’re a fan!

The West Shore RCMP are seeking surveillance footage that could help them in their investigation of a break-and-enter at a residence while the residents were asleep.

The incident took place overnight on Monday, July 29th in the 1000-block of Goldstream Avenue in Langford.

The residents of the home woke up in the morning to find their place had been broken into and some personal items were missing.

“A cut screen and an unlocked window appears to be the point of entry for the suspect,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar in a release. “We want to remind residents to lock their doors and windows at night and report suspicious activity right away.”

No description of the suspect was available.

RCMP have canvassed the neighbourhood and are asking anyone who lives in the area and has a video surveillance system to check their cameras for suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Two teenage murder suspects from Port Alberni are still on the lam after RCMP in Manitoba say they were unable to substantiate a tip of them being spotted in York Landing, MB.

RCMP will now continue their search of Gillam and York Landing, and in the meantime ask that the community remain vigilant.

At approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday evening, police received a tip that two males matching the description of the wanted suspects were seen in York Landing.

Based on that information, RCMP deployed multiple resources to the community, including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Containment Team members, Major Crime Services and Air Services assets.

The teams conducted a search throughout the night and during the day but were unable to verify the tip.

Background

The two small communities of Gillam and York Landing, MB have been in the media spotlight over the past few days as the probable area in which 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky are hiding out.

McLeod and Schmegelsky have been charged with second degree murder in the death of 64-year-old University of British Columbia lecturer Leonard Dyck.

His body was found on July 19th at a pullout on Highway 37 in Northern BC.

The two teenagers are also suspects in the deaths of 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson who were found shot and killed on the side of the highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15th, approximately 470 kilometres away from where the boys’ car was found.

Kam McLeod is described as:

• 6 foot 4
• Approximately 169 pounds
• Dark brown hair and facial hair
• Brown eyes

Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:

• 6 foot 4
• Approximately 169 pounds
• Sandy brown hair

While photos of the two teens have been released, police say that the pair may have altered their appearance.

All hands on deck

The search for the pair has been focused in and around Gillam, MB and RCMP say they have completed their canvass of Fox Lake Cree Nation.

“In the areas surrounding Gillam, officers are searching cottages, cabins, waterways, and along the rail line for any signs of the suspects. This search of remote areas is being conducted both on foot and in the air,” said RCMP in a statement on Sunday.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force began their assistance with the search on July 27 and will continue to provide assistance throughout the day.”

Police are also aware that many tips of sightings have been posted to social media in the last few days and not directly reported to police.

In their statement, RCMP explain that if these social media tips are valid, it can create a substantial delay in the response by police and be detrimental to the overall investigation.

Anyone who sees the pair is asked not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.
Otherwise, anyone with information on McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to contact the RCMP Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.

An awesome new summer destination for fans of local craft beer has just opened its doors in downtown Victoria!

First opened on Friday, July 26th in the historic Market Square, Whistle Buoy Brewing Company is a brand new brewery and lounge that specializes in making small batches of rotating beers that are brewed on-site.

Unlike other taprooms or bars, Whistle Buoy Brewing Company has a unique “tank to glass” brewing model meaning the beers you taste will be freshly made on-site and poured directly into your pints.

Besides sipping on delicious beers, guests can also munch on tasty sandwiches and snacks made daily by Little June cafe in Fernwood.

See also:

• Victoria’s 27th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival announces 2019 brewery line up
• These 11 Vancouver Island breweries won big at the 2018 BC Beer Awards

Whistle Buoy is owned and operated by five partners who are all in their late 20s and early 30s, with their head brewer, Matt West-Patrick having years experience in the beer industry — most recently brewing with Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

“It’s been a dream of mine to make lots of interesting beers and serve them to a small audience in a cool space,” said West-Patrick in a statement.

“We’re now doing exactly that and it’s really exciting for me.”

The brewery and lounge is located at unit 63 in Market Square. It features 51 indoor seats and a 57-seat patio for those who want to soak up some sun.

For night owls who are more interested in late-night festivities, Whistle Buoy is opened late, with weekend hours that run until midnight, and weekday hours that go as late as 11:00 p.m.

“Inspired by the natural beauty and urban energy of coastal BC, Whistle Buoy exists to offer fresh, local, beer in a community space in Market Square, the heart of downtown Victoria,” reads their official description.

“Our tank-to-glass model allows people to get up close and personal with the brewing process and consume local products in an inclusive environment.”

Western Family brand Smoked Salmon Nuggets have been recalled across British Columbia and Alberta due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The recall was issued by parent company Delta Pacific Seafood Ltd. on July 25th, and the following product should not be consumed:

See also:

• Canada-wide recall issued for two brands of ice cream sandwiches
• Several Apple MacBook Pro laptops recalled in Canada due to fire hazard
• Canada-wide recall issued for BOB Jogging Strollers

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

Symptoms can include:

• vomiting,
• nausea,
• persistent fever,
• muscle aches,
• severe headache,
• neck stiffness

In severe cases of illness, people may die.

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product, the CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation which may lead to further recalls.

If you have recalled products in your home, the CFIA recommends throwing them out or returning them to the store where they were purchased.

For a full listing of all food recalls and allergy alerts in Canada, look online here.

A dispute outside a bar on early Saturday morning led to one man being hospitalized with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

At approximately 12:10 am on Saturday July 27th, an altercation broke out outside the Old City Station Pub at 150 Skinner St in Nanaimo.

See also:

• Vancouver Island man wanted on Canada-wide warrant arrested in Nanaimo
• Nanaimo RCMP release surveillance photos of alleged electronics thieves (PHOTOS)

During the course of the fight, a 35-year-old man was stabbed multiple times and first responders administered first aid within minutes of the injury.

He was then rushed to the hospital where he is being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.

After reviewing video surveillance and speaking with witnesses, police have taken several people believed to be involved in the altercation into custody.

“This does not appear to be a random incident. To date, no charges have been laid and the investigation is being actively investigated ” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police are now asking anyone with cell phone videos of the incident, or any information about it to step forward.

Informants are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8

Manitoba RCMP have recently extended their search for two teenage killers from BC who have been on the run for over a week.

The manhunt for Port Alberni residents 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky has been focused in the area of Gillam, MB and police have received over 200 tips about the teenagers over the past 5 days.

See also:

• RCMP debunk online photo of man who looks like Vancouver Island murder suspect
• RCMP have identified 3rd homicide victim and charged teens with his murder

On Sunday evening, RCMP tweeted that multiple police resources were being sent to York Landing, a small community located approximately 3.5 hours away from Gillam, to investigate a possible sighting of the boys.

According to the latest update, no one has been taken into custody at this time and a heavy police presence continues the search in York Landing.

Manitoba RCMP Twitter account also warns residents against disclosing the location of officers engaged in the search by posting photos of them on social media.

19-year-old McLeod and 18-year-old Schmegelsky have been charged with second degree murder in the death of 64-year-old University of British Columbia lecturer Leonard Dyck. His body was found on July 19th at a pullout on Highway 37 in Northern BC.

The two teenagers are also suspects in the deaths of 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson who were found shot and killed on the side of the highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15th, approximately 470 kilometres away from where the boys’ car was found.

Kam McLeod is described as:

• 6 foot 4
• Approximately 169 pounds
• Dark brown hair and facial hair
• Brown eyes

Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:

• 6 foot 4
• Approximately 169 pounds
• Sandy brown hair

While photos of the two teens have been released, police say that the pair may have altered their appearance.

The search for the pair has been focus in and around Gillam, MB and RCMP say they have completed their canvass of Fox Lake Cree Nation.

“In the areas surrounding Gillam, officers are searching cottages, cabins, waterways, and along the rail line for any signs of the suspects. This search of remote areas is being conducted both on foot and in the air,” said RCMP in a statement on Sunday.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force began their assistance with the search on July 27 and will continue to provide assistance throughout the day.”

Police are also aware that many tips of sightings have been posted to social media in the last few days and not directly reported to police.

In their statement, RCMP explain that if these social media tips are valid, it can create a substantial delay in the response by police and be detrimental to the overall investigation.

Anyone who sees the pair is asked not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.
Otherwise, anyone with information on McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to contact the RCMP Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.

The wanted suspect in an alleged sexual assault that took place on the Galloping Goose tail in Langford earlier this month has been identified, according to the West Shore RCMP.

The reported incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9th near Sooke Road and Happy Valley Road.

A 16-year-old girl reported she was walking on the galloping goose trail when she was approached by a man asking for directions. The man shook her hand and pulled her towards him. He kissed the girl on the neck before she was able to push him away. The suspect thanked the girl and left.

On July 14th, police released a composite sketch of the suspect and received several tips from the public that helped positively identify the man.

Police said they have located the individual and he has been fully cooperative.

Following the investigation, it was determined that criminal charges will not be laid.

“The West Shore RCMP Serious Crimes Unit have conducted a thorough investigation into this complaint. They have located and spoken with the male who has been fully cooperative with police. The investigation has been concluded and investigators have determined that criminal charges will not be forwarded in this incident. We want to thank the public for calling in the tips and helping us with this investigation,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP.

See also:

• Police release sketch of sexual assault suspect on Galloping Goose trail in Langford
• Teenage girl sexually assaulted on the Galloping Goose trail in Langford

The Manitoba RCMP detachment have released surveillance footage of Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky taken at a store in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

The video, released by police on Friday, shows the pair walking through the aisles of a Co-op store and then exiting the store.

The pair are wanted in the deaths of three people in Northern British Columbia.

Over the next 72 hours, investigators will conduct door-to-door canvases in the Town of Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation, in hopes of generating new tips and information.

Police are warning the public that both men may have changed their appearance and someone in the community of Gillam may have inadvertently assisted the suspects in leaving the area by someone that was not aware of who they were.

Police are asking for that person or persons to come forward.

“It is crucial for you call police immediately,” police stated in a tweet.

RCMP said they were spotted in Meadow Lake on Sunday, before last being seen in Gillam on Monday.

Background

Two Port Alberni teens, Kam Mcleod and Bryer Schmegelsky are considered suspects in the deaths of three people in Northern BC this month — a travelling couple and a lone currently unidentified male.

The teens were initially considered missing persons on Monday after the vehicle they were travelling in was found burning off the side of Highway 37 in northern BC near the location of the unidentified deceased man on July 19th.

On Tuesday, police changed their assessment and announced that the pair were now considered suspects in the death of the unidentified man and the travelling couple.

The couple, 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson, were found shot and killed on the side of the highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15th, approximately 470 kilometres away from where the teens’ car was found.

Police believe that McLeod and Schmegelsky are likely still travelling, though there destination is not known at this time.

Kam McLeod is described as:

6 foot 4
Approximately 169 pounds
Dark brown hair and facial hair
Brown eyes
Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:

6 foot 4
Approximately 169 pounds
Sandy brown hair
While photos of the two teens have been released, police say that the pair may have altered their appearance.

Anyone who sees the pair is asked not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.

Otherwise, anyone with information on McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to contact the RCMP’s Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.

As the manhunt for the two murder suspects from Vancouver Island continues, Manitoba RCMP have also had to deal with social media speculation after an image of a man posing with a photo of the two suspects went viral.

In the image, a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to one of the Port Alberni fugitives (Kam McLeod) is seen posing with the front page of the Winnipeg Sun.

See also:

• RCMP have identified 3rd homicide victim and charged teens with his murder
• RCMP confirm burnt vehicle in Manitoba linked to Vancouver Island murder suspects

The page features a side-by-side photo of 19-year-old McLeod and his accomplice, 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky.

In a tweet Friday morning, Manitoba RCMP confirmed that the poser is not one of the two suspects, despite the resemblance.

“We understand many people are experiencing fear & uncertainty over this incident but spreading online rumours doesn’t help,” police added in a second Tweet.

McLeoud and Schmegelsky are wanted in connection with the murders of three people in northern B.C.

Saskatchewan RCMP had received reports of the suspects being spotted in Meadow Lake, Sask. on July 21. Then on Wednesday, Manitoba RCMP confirmed the RAV4 the suspects were travelling in was found burned out in the Gillam, Man. area on the evening of July 22.

McLeod and Schmegelsky are considered armed and dangerous. They may be using a different vehicle, are on foot, or may even be travelling separately. Anyone who sees them is asked to call 911 or their local police department immediately.

Another tweet on Friday showed the presence of a large number of RCMP officers in the Gillam area conducting the extensive manhunt for the two teenagers.

Background

Two Port Alberni teens, Kam Mcleod and Bryer Schmegelsky are considered suspects in the deaths of three people in Northern BC this month — a travelling couple and a lone male.

The teens were initially considered missing persons on Monday after the vehicle they were travelling in was found burning off the side of Highway 37 in northern BC near the location of the deceased man on July 19th.

On Tuesday, police changed their assessment and announced that the pair were now considered suspects in the death of the man and the travelling couple.

The couple, 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson, were found shot and killed on the side of the highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15th, approximately 470 kilometres away from where the teens’ car was found.

The man discovered deceased on July 19 at a pullout on Highway 37 was later identified as 64-year-old University of British Columbia lecturer Leonard Dyck.

Police believe that McLeod and Schmegelsky are likely still travelling, though there destination is not known at this time.

Kam McLeod is described as:

• 6 foot 4
• Approximately 169 pounds
• Dark brown hair and facial hair
• Brown eyes

Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:

• 6 foot 4
• Approximately 169 pounds
• Sandy brown hair

While photos of the two teens have been released, police say that the pair may have altered their appearance.

Anyone who sees the pair is asked not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.
Otherwise, anyone with information on McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to contact the RCMP’s Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.

After concluding their investigation into the incident, Oak Bay Police have issued a $196 fine to the driver who narrowly missed hitting a traffic control flagger earlier this month.

On Wednesday, July 3rd, a traffic control flagger was working at a construction site on Bowker Ave when the vehicle in question approached.

See also:

• Oak Bay driver nearly hits traffic control flagger on a sidewalk
• Saanich police cruiser struck by passing motorist as officer enters vehicle
• Series of reckless driving incidents plague Saanich in 2019

The driver proceeded to ignore the flagger – who was attempting to let them know that the street was closed – and drove onto the sidewalk, almost hitting the flagger in the process.

This reckless act resulted in an Oak Bay Police investigation that concluded on July 25th, and resulted in the driver being handed a $196 fine (3 demerit points).

“We take this very seriously. The flaggers are not only at risk themselves but disobeying them greatly increases the risk to the various workers at the site as well as other road users who are passing through the construction zone,” said Oak Bay Police Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties.

This incident was one of 104 calls for service received by the police department between June 30th and July 7th.