British Columbia’s police watchdog has been called in after RCMP say they shot a man in an incident that also left an officer with serious injuries.
Richmond RCMP said Friday that they got a call from the local fire department Thursday night to help respond to a man who was allegedly setting a sign on fire in the 9800-block of Glenthorne Drive.
They say the man was “uncooperative” with officers, and a struggle ensued resulting in police shooting the suspect.
The Mounties say an officer was also stabbed during the altercation.
They say both the officer and the suspect were taken to hospital with what were believed to be “serious injuries.”
Richmond RCMP say their serious crime unit will investigate the initial call for police and the assault on the officer, while the civilian-led Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) examine police actions during the incident.
The IIO said Friday that it is investigating the case. Initial steps include seeking confirmation of the incident’s details and if any police’s use of force was “necessary, reasonable, and proportionate in the circumstances.”
The watching is asking anyone with information about the incident or video footage of the area to contact the organization at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form at iiobc.ca.