Abbotsford police shooting leaves man dead

A police-involved shooting in Abbotsford has left one man dead.

The Abbotsford Police Department.say the incident happened on Sunday night on Riverside Road near Highway 1.

According to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., the shooting took place around 10 p.m., after police were called to a report of a suicidal man.

"As a result of that, the male was struck by gunfire from the police," IIO chief civilian director Ronald J. MacDonald told CTV News. "Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene and (was) pronounced deceased."

CTV News asked the IIO whether or not the man had a weapon, but the director said it's too early to confirm that detail.

The IIO says it was contacted about an hour after the shooting and responded with six investigators and one forensic investigator.

"In this case, the police used lethal force so they (will) be required to demonstrate that it was reasonable for them to believe that they were facing a real risk of bodily harm or death,” said MacDonald.

He believes that a decision on the case could take months as the IIO is investigating several other incidents.

A body was removed from the scene shortly before 6 a.m. Monday, while a dozen police officers and investigators remained.

Riverside Road remained closed between Marshall and King roads.

The incident is the 18th police-involved shooting this year in B.C., which MacDonald says is above average.