Police were asking people to avoid a nearly two-kilometre stretch of Highway 97 in West Kelowna as they investigated a shooting incident that left one man dead early Sunday morning.
The RCMP said in a statement the incident has “the characteristics of a targeted shooting.”
The highway was closed in both directions from Butt Road to Grizzly Road for hours as a result of the police work.
The police activity was centered on the intersection of Elk Road and Highway 97, where evidence markers and clothing were visible on the street.
Police officers could also be seen searching in an area next to the road.
The RCMP said the shooting and the man’s death both occurred near Highway 97.
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“Investigators are seeking anyone with information about this incident, who was in this area between 3:30 am and 4:30 am this morning, March 21, and particularly motorists with dash cameras who travelled the highway at this time, to contact the RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit at 1-877-987-8477,” the RCMP said in a statement.
RCMP originally did not release any details about what was under investigation, but hours into the highway closure sent out a statement confirming it is a homicide investigation.
Police said there is no evidence the West Kelowna investigation is connected to another possible shooting that is under investigation in Kelowna.
The highway reopened to traffic around 1 p.m. on Sunday.
DriveBC is advising motorists to expect congestion in the area.
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