Downtown Vancouver stabbing suspect dead after being shot by police
A stabbing suspect is dead after being shot by police in a Vancouver convenience store Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
The officers were responding to a 911 call reporting a knife-wielding man had stolen alcohol from a restaurant near Robson and Hamilton streets around 11:30 a.m., the Vancouver Police Department said in an update hours after the incident.
Police found a suspect inside a nearby 7-Eleven.
"The suspect was then shot by police. VPD officers, along with other first responders, attempted life-saving (measures) on the suspect. However, he was taken to hospital, where he later died," spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin said at a news conference, adding that an additional two people “have been wounded.”
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has been called in, as it is in all police-involved incidents that result in death or serious injury, whether or not there are allegations of wrongdoing.
The VPD first informed the public that they were on the scene of a "violent incident" in a social media post a few minutes after noon, saying "a number of people have been stabbed."
Visintin said police initially believed two people had been stabbed but have since learned that there was only one stabbing victim. Authorities are still trying to determine how the other person was hurt, she said.
Asked if the second person was potentially injured by police gunfire, Visintin could not confirm one way or the other, but noted that the IIO will be investigating the officers’ actions.
"All I know right now is we have two people that are injured," she said.
Both of the victims’ injuries were described by police as non-life-threatening. Asked for further details, Visintin said the stabbing victim sustained hand injuries and the other person sustained facial injuries.
"There's still a lot that it's unfolding. There's still a lot of pieces that we're putting together. So, I'm here to provide the best, most accurate information that we have right now," she added.
“It's important to note that our officers arrived immediately once we got the call, and we were able to stop the threat to the public. It's unfortunate that two people were injured and that a man was shot by officers, but because our immediate response, we were able to stop that threat,” she continued
Visintin also did not comment on whether the suspect was known to police, and could not confirm if the victims were employees of either the 7-Eleven or the restaurant.
Witness describes shooting
Mainul Ismal, a delivery driver who was picking up an order in the area, witnessed what he described as the "really terrible" incident that unfolded inside the 7-Eleven. He says it began with a man approaching the counter, lifting his shirt and showing a large knife tucked in his waistband.
Ismal says it appeared to him that the suspect was trying to commit a theft. Although two employees raised their hands in the air, telling the man to take whatever he wanted, Ismal says the suspect "got angry" and "got out his knife and tried to stab them."
The witness said he was unsure how many people were stabbed, but that there appeared to be either one or two victims.
Ismal also shared video with CTV News, showing three officers – two with guns drawn and one who appears to be wielding a Taser – surrounding the counter of the store.
"Move over right now, move over," an officer shouts. No one is visible behind the counter.
The video does not capture what happened next, but a woman can be heard screaming as four shots ring out in quick succession. After a brief pause, another six shots can be heard.
A woman can then be heard crying, as someone asks, "Are you OK, ma'am?"
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING New clues emerge in hunt for gunman who killed health insurance CEO
As the investigation into a masked gunman who stalked and killed the head of one of the largest U.S. health insurers moved into its third day Friday, possible leads emerged about his travel before the shooting and a message scrawled on ammunition found at the crime scene.
Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike
Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike.
NDP's Singh forces debate calling on PM Trudeau to send $250 cheques to more Canadians
With the fate of the federal government's promised $250 cheques for 18.7 million workers hanging in the balance, the NDP have forced a debate today on a motion pushing for the prime minister to expand eligibility.
Canadian unemployment rate jumps near 8-year high
Canada had 1.5 million unemployed people in November, propelling its jobless rate to a near-eight-year high outside of the pandemic era and boosting chances of a large interest rate cut on Dec. 11.
Canada's list of banned guns is expanding. Here's what you need to know
Canada is expanding its federal ban on firearms, adding 324 makes and models of guns to the prohibited weapons list, effective immediately.
What is still being delivered? What to know about the Canada Post strike
With Canada Post workers on strike, many individuals and businesses are facing the challenge of sending and receiving mail. Here are the answers to some of Canadians’ most-asked questions.
80-year-old driver with expired licence accused of going nearly double the speed limit in eastern Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police say a man caught stunt driving on Highway 37 near Tweed, Ont. Thursday was 80 years old, and his licence was expired.
Jasper family reunites with cat missing 100 days in the wilderness
Nicole Klopfenstein's four-year-old black and white tabby survived in the wilderness for more than 100 days after a ferocious wildfire forced the evacuation of the Rocky Mountain town of Jasper, Alta., this summer.