A vehicle on fire at Tru Market Truck and Auto Sales in Kamloops. (Photo via Kamloops RCMP)
The incoming Mayor of Kamloops says he finds it “odd” that a vehicle on his used car lot was found severely damaged and burned Wednesday morning.
Kamloops RCMP confirm they were called out to the TRU Market Auto location on Victoria Street West this morning around 6:30 to assist Kamloops Fire Rescue.
The Mounties say their investigation is in its initial stages and aren’t clear on a motive, including whether there is any connection to politics.
Speaking to Radio NL, Mayor-elect Reid Hamer-Jackson says while the timing of the vandalism seems “odd,” given his recent election, he does note that homeless people have — at times — broken into the vehicles on his lot to escape the elements.
Picture of burned-out vehicle on TRU Market Truck and Auto Sales/via Reid Hamer-Jackson
He says he does have video of the lot and suspects they will be able to identify who did the damage.
RCMP are asking for any witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward.
“Police have located and spoke with one person observed in the area at the time of the blaze,” said Corporal Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson. “Officers are currently reviewing security footage to see if they can confirm and identify the presence of two other people who were also allegedly in the area and may have information relevant to the investigation.”
Hamer-Jackson was elected on Saturday on a platform of trying to reduce street crime and help the homeless in the city, many of whom tend to congregate around the location of his used vehicle business on Victoria Street West.
