The Southeast District Major Crime Unit of the RCMP is investigating the death of a man who was shot earlier this week in Lumby, B.C.

Police say 60-year-old Corey Ott died in hospital on March 6 after being found with a gunshot wound just days earlier.

The death is now being treated as suspicious, and the Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.

Lumby is a community of about 2,000 people located roughly 25 kilometres east of Vernon in B.C.’s Okanagan region.

According to police, officers with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to reports of gunfire on Schwartz Road in Lumby at around 4:20 p.m. on March 3.

Frontline officers arriving at the scene found Ott suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was transported to hospital, where he underwent surgery for his injuries before later dying.

Investigators say they are continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses as they work to determine what led to the shooting.

A suspect was arrested shortly after the incident but was later released without charges.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said the investigation is ongoing and more work may be required before prosecutors decide whether charges can be laid.

“Under many circumstances it’s important to understand there’s a process that needs to take place,” Clark said, adding further investigation may be needed before a report is submitted to the B.C. Prosecution Service for charge assessment.

“This is not uncommon where an arrest is made, however charges aren’t laid in the first instance,” Clark said.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit typically investigates suspicious deaths and other serious offences in the region.

“Video is very important for any investigation,” he said. “If it exists, it provides a record of what occurred.”

Police are asking anyone who may have been in the Lumby area on March 3 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. to check for surveillance footage, dash-cam video or other recordings that could assist investigators.

Authorities are also asking anyone who had communication with Ott on the day of the shooting, or in the days leading up to it, to contact police.

Clark declined to comment on additional details about the investigation, saying officers must preserve the integrity of the case while it remains active.

At this time, police say they have no information suggesting there is an ongoing risk to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit information line.