RCMP says they are working with the BC Coroner’s Service to identify the two men who were shot to death by police in an exchange of gunfire outside a bank in Saanich, BC on Tuesday.
The shooting also resulted in six police officers being injured, three of whom remain in the hospital Thursday.
Once the two suspects have been identified, police say they will notify their next of kin.
“Then we will move forward to determine more about them,” said RCMP Cpl. Alex Bérubé in a live update outside the Saanich police headquarters on Thursday.
“I’m talking about their background, who they are, their stories and how that might relate to what happened,” he said.
Police say the investigation is still in its early stages and investigators do not want to reveal any details that could affect the integrity of the investigation.
Const. of the Saanich police chief. However, Dean Duthie was able to clarify that the officers encountered the two armed men as they were leaving the bank on Tuesday.
He added that a white panel van parked at the scene, which is now riddled with bullet holes, was a police vehicle.
Meanwhile, Bérubé was able to describe what the suspects’ vehicle looked like and confirm that “improvised explosive devices” were found inside.
“It is fair to describe what [the explosive disposal unit] treaty was a highly volatile and dangerous situation,” he said.
The suspects’ vehicle is described as a white 1992 Toyota Camry four-door with two black racing stripes on the hood and roof.
“We ask anyone with information about this vehicle or its movement a week before Tuesday to contact the VIIMCU line at 250-380-6211,” Bérubé said.
Saanich police outside the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street on June 28, 2022. (Joan B. Flood/Twitter)
Bérubé says that police also recovered several firearms located at the scene.
However, the RCMP officer said he was unable to provide details on the firearms due to simultaneous investigations by VIIMCU and the provincial police watchdog group, the BC Office of Independent Investigations.
“I can tell there are multiple units and personnel involved who specialize in handling and identifying firearms,” he said.
‘I CAN ONLY IMAGINE’
The Saanich Police Chief once again thanked the first responders as well as the staff of E-Comm, the organization responsible for answering almost all 911 calls received in BC.
“This dedicated, committed and professional team handled the 911 emergency calls that came in for this event,” said Duthie.
“You and I can only imagine the nature of the incoming calls, the terror and emotion that are woven throughout these calls,” he said, adding that dispatchers were invaluable in helping direct and respond to officers on the scene. countryside.
Duthie also expressed his condolences for the staff and customers who were inside the Bank of Montreal when the incident occurred.
“They experienced an incident that will probably never be forgotten and [will] they probably often replay in their minds over and over again,” he said.
“To all BMO staff and all BMO customers on that day, please know that the Saanich Police Department is thinking of you wholeheartedly and we hope you have the support you need to process what you have experienced and move forward safely.” healthy. “
The police chief also expressed gratitude for nearby residents and businesses that were evacuated Tuesday, some of whom have been unable to return to their homes or reopen their stores two days later as police process the scene.
“I know their lives have been significantly affected by the road closures and 24-hour security on the scene,” he said. “Your understanding, patience and support are greatly appreciated.”