Kamloops RCMP are asking for help in finding a suspect after a man was stabbed at the Howard Johnson motel downtown on Columbia Street yesterday evening.

Sgt. Darren Michels says the victim – who is known to police – is recovering in hospital after he was stabbed multiple times around 5:15 p.m., but he’s believed to be in a stable condition.

“We believe this is a targeted incident as the victim is known to have ties to the local drug trade and we are trying to determine if this has relevance to our investigation,” he said.

“Anything with gangs and drugs and organized crime, especially drugs, you’re going to run into violence and we don’t believe that this is a random thing. We believe that these people probably knew who they were.”

Police have released a video of the suspect leaving the motel room. This man was wearing what appears to be a black shirt and jeans with black shoes and gloves. He also had a maroon cap on, as pictured.

“We are hoping that by releasing this video, we will be able to ascertain who this suspect is and his identity will further investigation,” Michels added.

Anyone who has information on the suspect or the incident is asked to call Kamloops RCMP or Crime Stoppers.