Police are seeking public assistance in locating an identified person of interest following a shooting death in Sparwood last October.
The Southeast District Major Crimes Unit (SED MCU) is looking to speak with Joshua Freeman, who was previously identified informally as “Slim” by police in a press release following the shooting death of Joel Zimbalatti on Oct. 11, 2023.
Police responded to a report of a shooting in the afternoon at the 6200 block of Lower Elk Valley Road. One man was arrested on scene and later released without charge, while investigation determined another male — later identified as “Slim” — was also present but left before police arrived.
“Mr. Freeman is believed to be one of the last people to see Mr. Zimbalatti alive, before he was shot and it is imperative that investigators speak with Mr. Freeman regarding this investigation,” said S/Sgt. Jason Smart, with SED MCU.
Police say Freeman was last seen in Kimberley, B.C., the day after the shooting and is known to have ties to the Okanagan region.
“If Mr. Freeman sees or hears this call for information, we ask him to contact the police of jurisdiction,” said S/Sgt. Smart.
Police are asking anyone with information on Mr. Freeman to contact the SED MCU information line at 1-877-987-8477.