News release

Police investigating shooting

March 23, 2026 - Vernon, British Columbia
From: Vernon North Okanagan RCMP

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2026-4471

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is investigating a report of a shooting that occurred in a park on Friday evening.

On Friday, March 20, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m. police were notified of a shooting at Civic Memorial Park in Vernon.  The victim, who was uninjured, approached an officer and told them he had just been shot at by another man.  The suspect was seen fleeing the scene into a nearby residence.  Frontline officers quickly contained the residence and members of the RCMP’s Southeast District Emergency Response Team were called to assist.  The suspect surrendered to police and was arrested safely without incident.  The two men, known to each other, met at the park and became involved in an altercation that escalated to the point where one allegedly drew a firearm and shot at the other.

“Even though this appears to be targeted, it’s completely and totally unacceptable,” says Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. “A brazen act in a public place puts innocent people at serious risk and we’re incredibly thankful no one was injured.”

The suspect, a 31‑year‑old resident of Vernon, remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.

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