Skeena RCMP January 2026 report
NORTHERN B.C. — The first ten days of 2026 have been a busy period for RCMP detachments across the Skeena and Bulkley Valleys. From managing extreme weather hazards on Highway 16 to hunting for wanted offenders, police are setting a firm tone for the new year.
Kitimat & Smithers: Stability and Success
Kitimat saw a relatively peaceful transition into the new year. The detachment’s first weekly report (Jan 1–7) noted that New Year’s Eve passed without major incident, largely due to a high volume of safe rides utilized by the public. However, the first week was not without crime; officers are currently investigating a theft from a vehicle and a collision that resulted in a driving prohibition.
In Smithers, investigators are celebrating an early win. On January 8, the detachment confirmed the identification of a suspect in a shoplifting incident that occurred just two days prior. To mark Crime Stoppers Awareness Month, Smithers RCMP is urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly as the community continues a $3.6 million lighting upgrade at the Smithers Airport to improve security.
Critical Alerts: Missing and Wanted Persons
Police are seeking the public’s help in several high-priority files across the region:
- Burns Lake Missing Person: On January 5, an appeal was issued to locate 35-year-old Travis Joseph Micell Tom. His disappearance remains an active investigation.
- New Hazelton Wanted Men: Police are searching for Damien Tyson Shanoss and Bruce William Wilson. Shanoss faces serious charges, including the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property.
- Houston Firearms Arrest: In Houston, Kaiz Khan was arrested following a dangerous incident where a firearm was discharged outside a local business. Khan faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a loaded restricted firearm.
Highway Safety and Environmental Hazards
Travel remains the greatest risk to residents this month. The BC Highway Patrol reported a concerning trend: while impaired driving numbers were lower in Central B.C., they increased in Northern B.C. during the 2025 holiday campaign.
Compounding the risk is the weather. Between January 5 and January 9, the region swung from heavy snow (up to 25 cm) to an atmospheric river that dumped 100 mm of rain on Kitimat. This has led to multiple collisions on Highway 16, including a logging truck crash west of Smithers and a multi-vehicle incident east of Burns Lake that resulted in one person being hospitalized.
Key RCMP Activity (Jan 1–10, 2026)
| Date | Detachment | Incident/Topic | Status |
| Jan 5 | New Hazelton | Wanted: Shanoss & Wilson | Active Search |
| Jan 5 | Burns Lake | Missing: Travis Tom | Active Investigation |
| Jan 8 | Kitimat | Weekly Operational Report | Stable/Active |
| Jan 8 | Smithers | Shoplifting ID | Suspect Identified |
| Jan 9 | Smithers | Crime Stoppers Month | Awareness Campaign |
Prince Rupert: Justice and Infrastructure
Administrative milestones are also making headlines. The BC Coroners Service has rescheduled a public inquest into the 2023 deaths of a local family; it is now set to begin on February 2, 2026. Meanwhile, the city’s 2026 budget confirms that the new $23.5 million RCMP detachment is being paid for via previously allocated revenues, ensuring no new tax burden for residents this year.
Skeena News Public Safety Note: As weather conditions remain volatile, travelers are urged to check DriveBC before heading out on Highway 16 or 37.
