Multiple teenagers in pickup trucks driving around Campbell River on Friday evening were “seeking to incite members of the community’s homeless population into fights and violence,” RCMP said.
Campbell River RCMP said that most of the teens involved were “highly intoxicated” and several of them were apprehended.
“It truly was the saddest of situations,” said Const. Maury Tyre.
“A group of privileged youth taking on some of our towns least privileged and hoping to provoke a street war. In recent weeks, similar events have occurred where jacked-up pickups have chased and egged the homeless and thrown rocks.”
Police said none of the teenagers and youths were above the age of 19 years old and had travelled to the downtown core for “one reason only.”
“Attacking the homeless only encourages them to arm themselves and makes the situation infinitely more dangerous,” said Tyre.
“The investigation is still ongoing.”
A B.C. homeless advocate and clinical advisor said the incident is more than just disturbing.
“To have privileged people who went down there for a specific purpose of targeting vulnerable people in our community.. it’s pretty egregious and infuriating,” said Guy Felicella, a BC Centre on Substance Use peer clinical advisor.
“This is a recipe for a disaster, someone could die. This is seriously awful and these people are just trying to survive on the street.”
Anyone with possible information or video footage from Saturday night’s incidents are being asked to contact Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.