by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 17/97) - A recent shooting in Colville Lake has sparked concern about crime in the tiny community.

The latest of three shootings over the last six months, January's incident has resulted in charges against one man for the possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

Fort Good Hope RCMP detachment officers who are investigating the case say that a 26-year-old man was arrested after a man matching his description was seen repeatedly firing a gun in the community.

Police say a man fired a gun while he walked through the community, apparently after he was beaten up by several members of the community.

While it wasn't as serious as other recent shootings in Colville Lake, the incident has forced at least one RCMP officer to ask some questions about crime in Colville Lake.

"For the size of the community, it's a busy place (for crime)," said Const. Patrick Olson of the Fort Good Hope detachment, which is about 150 kilometres southwest of Colville Lake.

A shooting in September involved another Colville Lake man who is charged with shooting his two brothers.

Olson said that RCMP from his community visit Colville Lake once a month for one overnight visit.

"I can't say it's hard for police, but we just don't have the rapport with the people because of the little time we spend over there," he said.

Fort Good Hope is six hours away by snowmachine and one hour by air. There aren't adequate facilities within the community of about 70 for an RCMP member and his family to live in right now.