Explosive device found at site of Kelowna shooting where two men were shot

RCMP said that West Kelowna resident Kyle Gianis, 37, and a 25-year-old Surrey man were shot on Saturday just before 7 pm on Pandosy Street and KLO Road. Both were transported by BC Emergency Health Services to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. Gianis has since been released from the hospital and the unidentified Surrey man remains in medical care after suffering life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses reported a man fleeing the scene in a silver SUV. No arrests have been made by local law enforcement at this time.

"We have reason to believe this was a targeted attack on these two men," wrote Kelowna RCMP Insp. Beth McAndie in a press release. "Because of his criminal activities and associates, Mr. Gianis poses a threat to our community and the public in general, and we are putting all our resources into investigating this newest incident."

It's the second time this year that Gianis was targeted in a shooting. In March he was shot outside a Kelowna gym. He was also the focus of two other gangland shootings from 2017 and 2018.

"While investigating the scene of the shooting, frontline officers located what is believed to be an undetonated improvised explosive device," said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, Media Relations Officer for the Kelowna RCMP. "Police immediately cordoned off the area. It will remain closed until officers with the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit have safely dealt with the device."

No further information was released, but Kelowna RCMP is urging anyone who witnessed or has knowledge of this crime to come forward to speak with police immediately. Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

Those who wish to remain completely anonymous, can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.