Man dead, suspect at large after fight at church in West Kootenay town

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit has been called to assist Trail RCMP in investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday evening. (CBC - image credit)
The Southeast District Major Crime Unit has been called to assist Trail RCMP in investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday evening. (CBC - image credit)

RCMP say a 40-year-old man is dead and a suspect is still at large after a fight at a church in Trail, B.C., Wednesday night.

In a written statement, staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said officers and paramedics were called to a gas station on Victoria Street in Trail to attend at an unconscious, injured man who was critically injured shortly before 10 p.m. PT.

The victim died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Shoihet said witnesses reported an altercation at a nearby church between the victim and another man, whom he knew. The suspect fled on foot. Police are still searching for him.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit has been called in to assist Trail RCMP to investigate the homicide, Shoihet said.

RCMP say although the suspect hasn't been apprehended officers don't believe there is any ongoing risk to the general public.

"This incident appears to have been an isolated incident between parties known to each other," Shoihet said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit tipline at 1-877-987-8477.