Suspects still at large after 'very rare' Trail home invasion, police call for greater vigilance over summer months
By Kyra Hoggan
While police are calling a violent home invasion last Friday “very rare”, they are also cautioning residents to be mindful of security in their homes, vehicles and properties.
Trail RCMP top cop Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said the situation Friday appears to have been a case of mistaken identity.
“On May 22 at 11:38 p.m., the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP received a 911 emergency call of a violent break and enter in progress at a residence on Reservoir Road in Trail,” Wicentowich said. “Police were told that two unknown male suspects had forced entry inside the home and allegedly assaulted three occupants inside.”
He said both suspects were reportedly wearing black masks, while one was seen brandishing a baseball bat the other was armed with a baton.
Our investigators believe this was targeted incident and not random in nature, Wicentowich said. The suspects reportedly fled the area in an unknown vehicle prior to police arrival at the scene.
He added the occupants sustained non-life threatening injuries from the incident.
“The Caucasian male suspects are both described as approximately 5’6 to 6’0 tall, with medium to heavy builds (approximately 200 lbs), possibility 20 to 30 years old and were wearing black hooded sweatshirts, jeans and black masks over their faces.
“In an effort to advance the still ongoing criminal investigation, RCMP is asking witnesses, or anyone with any information regarding this incident to immediately come forward. No piece of information is too small.
“If you witnessed the alleged home invasion during the late morning hours of Friday, May 22, and have not yet spoken to police, you are urged to call the Trail and Greater District RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) at 250-364-2566. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.”
While Wicentowich said this sort of occurrence is unusual for this area, he added police anticipate an increase in call volume over the summer months.
“Over the next two months, federal and provincial governments are providing a lot of stimulus money, and unfortunately, some of that money is being spent on alcohol, drugs and illicit activity (leading us to expect) an increase in substance-related violence and criminality,” he said. “Statistically, crime is dropping overall, but theft of/from property is still a significant factor in this area.
“We’re seeing a drop in shoplifting, for example, because of COVID-19 restrictions, but people have to take some precautions at home: lock your doors, report suspicious activity, cameras help, and dogs can, as well. Don’t leave valuables in your cars, sheds or yards.”
He said this is a message RCMP have been pushing for years, and to good effect, as residents rise to the challenge of community crime prevention.
“It really is helping, residents are making a difference,” he said.
