The two police officers involved in the shooting death of Wilbert Bartley last week have been placed on administrative duty, according to Kamloops RCMP.
Bartley, 50, was shot and killed on Friday, after he backed his Toyota 4Runner into an unmarked RCMP minivan parked near a convenience store in the 200-block of Tranquille Road.
The Calgary Police Service is investigating the shooting, and officers say that the two plainclothes Mounties fired two shots through the SUV's windshield, hitting Bartley at least once.
The vehicle then sped forward, slamming into the So Espresso and Bistro.
A witness told CTV News on Saturday that it appeared Bartley had intentionally rammed his vehicle into the RCMP car, and that the police officers were acting in self-defence.
The two officers involved will be taken off regular duty until Calgary police have completed their investigation.
Two other Kamloops cops still off-duty
Another pair of Kamloops Mounties remain off regular duty while they face charges of assault for separate incidents.
Const. Ryan Sheremetta has been charged with one count of assault for allegedly punching another man in an off-duty street fight on March 7. He has been placed on administrative duties while an internal police investigation is underway.
Sheremetta had previously been investigated for the 2004 shooting death of burglary suspect Kevin St. Arnaud. The internal RCMP review found that Sheremetta had fired his gun in self-defence.
Fellow Const. Kevin Roy has been charged with two counts of assault relating to separate arrests of male and female suspects. He has been suspended from duty with pay.
Sheremetta and Roy both appeared in Kamloops provincial court on July 29. Both will make their next appearance on Aug. 26 to consult with their lawyers.
