Suspect in shooting of two men in Kelowna July 31, 2021 (Submitted photo/RC

By Pete McIntyre

'dramatic escalation in violence'

Video of suspect in double shooting released

Aug 3, 2021 | 3:00 PM

KELOWNA B.C. — RCMP have released video of the alleged suspect in a gang-related shooting in Kelowna over the B.C. Day long weekend.

On Saturday, July 31, just before 7:00 p.m., Kyle Gianis, 37, and a 25-year-old Surrey man were shot in the area of Pandosy Street and KLO Road in Kelowna.

Both victims were transported to hospital. Gianis has since been treated and released. The second victim remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The area was cordoned off for investigation, and during that time an unexploded improvised explosive device was located. The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit attended the following day and safely detonated the device at a secondary location.

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“We can now confirm that this was a viable explosive. Based on our examination, this device had the potential to cause significant damage to property and seriously injure members of the public that evening,” said Inspector Beth McAndie of the Kelowna RCMP. “This device marks a dramatic escalation in violence and put innocent members of our community in real danger. This is unacceptable to us, and we are doing everything in our power to identify the parties involved in this incident.”

Kelowna shooting suspect from July 31, 2021. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

The initial investigation has resulted in video of an identified suspect allegedly fleeing the scene after the shooting occurred.

The suspect in the video is wearing light coloured pants and a light coloured sweatshirt with the hood pulled up.

“We are releasing the video at the earliest opportunity in the hopes that someone from the community recognizes the clothing or distinctive gait of this person,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “If you believe you know who this suspect is, we ask you to do the right thing and identify them to us.”

The suspect was seen fleeing the area in a light coloured SUV. As part of the ongoing investigation, Kelowna RCMP is asking for any dash camera footage from vehicles driving on Pandosy Street from KLO Road Harvey Avenue between the hours of 6:20 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. on July 31.

If you have dash cam footage or information regarding the suspect, you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. If you have information regarding the shooter but wish to remain completely anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.