UPDATED: Arrests in home invasion
Two arrests have been made in connection with a violent home invasion in Westsyde this week — and police are now saying the attack might be related to two similar incidents in recent days.
Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Scott Wilson said a 19-year-old man from Surrey and a 16-year-old boy from Kamloops were arrested at a house in Merritt on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
The previous day, police say, two people forced their way into a Wawn Road home, armed with a shotgun, and stole a number of items.
The woman was shot in the hand during the invasion.
About three hours after the Westsyde incident, another home invasion was reported at a motel on Columbia Street, in which a 20-year-old Thompson Rivers University student was robbed of jewelry and electronics.
No firearm was produced, but it’s believed the three suspects in the incident were armed with bear spray.
At first, police said the two incidents were unrelated.
That changed following Wednesday’s arrests.
Wilson said investigators are also looking into the possibility the two incidents might be related to another home invasion last week at a home on Columbia Street.
All incidents appear to be targeted, police say.
Wilson said officers recovered a loaded sawed-off shotgun and a number of items stolen during the Westsyde home invasion while arresting the two suspects in Merritt.
The 19-year-old has been identified as Trevor James Smith. The 16-year-old can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Both men have been charged with robbery, break-and-enter, assault causing bodily harm, possession of a prohibited firearm and using a firearm in the commission of an offence.
The firearms charges carry mandatory five-year minimum sentences if convicted.
The youth is expected to appear in court tomorrow (Jan. 28), while Smith has a bail hearing scheduled for Feb. 3.
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