Watchdog investigating after transit police shoot assault suspect in downtown Vancouver
A man who was shot by police in Vancouver’s Gastown Monday had allegedly gone on a violent assault spree and brandished a weapon, according to the Vancouver Police Department.
The VPD, along with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, were called to West Cordova street near Cambie at around 10:15 p.m
“Officers from both departments engaged the suspect and shots were fired by Metro Vancouver Transit Police,” said Cst. Amanda Steed of the MVTP.
According to the VPD, the suspect had attacked several people before officers showed up.
"We had a report that a woman was slapped in the face, we had a report that this man approached a cyclist and assaulted the cyclist,” said Sgt. Steve Addison of the VPD.
“We believe the man tried to start a fight in front of the Metropole pub,” he added.
The 23-year-old suspect was taken to hospital and is expected to survive, while no police officers were injured.
Neither police force would say what type of weapon the man was allegedly wielding.
"We don’t want to disclose at this point what it was reported to have been because when people come forward we need to make sure what they're saying comes from their own memories and their own versions,” said Addison
“We don’t need to plant ideas in their head,”
The Independent Investigations Office has begun a probe into the shooting.
"What was the interaction between the individual and the police? What if anything did the individual do that justified the use of potentially lethal force against him? said Ronald MacDonald, the IIO's chief civilian investigator.
“Those are the very questions that we're asking.”
Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477
VPD’s major crimes unit is now investigating the alleged offences by the suspect before the shooting, Any witnesses or victims who have not yet spoken to police are urged to call 604-717-2541.
Correction
A previous version of this article reported that Vancouver police were involved in the shooting. Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department confirmed it was a member of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police who shot the suspect.
MVTP originally reported that the suspect in this incident was 38-years old. It has since been confirmed that he is actually 23-years old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.