A man who fired up to 19 shots at an RCMP detachment in Vanderhoof, B.C., three years ago, has had his 10-year prison sentence cut in half on appeal.
On Nov. 25, 2021, then 36-year-old Paul Nicholas Russell fired multiple rounds with his rifle at the detachment’s windows and at unoccupied police vehicles parked outside, prompting an active shooter alert in the district of just over 4,300 residents.
After the shooting, Russell drove away and was pursued by the police for several kilometres before he stopped.
While Russell was acquitted of attempted murder charges at trial, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Francesca Marzari convicted him of reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless use of a firearm, flight from a peace officer, mischief causing danger to life and mischief over $5,000.
Story continues below advertisement
According to an Oct. 22, 2024 British Columbia Court of Appeal judgment, there was …