Hospitality Inn shooting probe leads to unrelated arrest in Chase

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops RCMP say the investigation into Friday’s (Oct. 16) shooting at the Hospitality Inn on Columbia Street West has led to an arrest – but not for the shooting itself.

In a news release, Sgt. Darren Michels says investigators following up the shooting identified a vehicle from the scene of the shooting that was located abandoned on a rural property near Chase.

RCMP got a search warrant for the property, leading to the arrest of Steven Stuart Gardner. He is facing charges of driving while prohibited, possession of a firearm contrary to an order and possession of a firearm without a license.

Michels says the charges are not related to the shooting.

Mounties are releasing Gardner’s photo in hopes the public can produce more tips. Anyone with information on his “activities or use of firearms” is asked to contact Kamloops RCMP at (250) 828-3000.