Saanich, B.C. shooting suspects still unidentified

RCMP said they are working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the two men who were fatally shot by police during a gunfight outside a bank in Saanich, B.C. British, Tuesday.

The shooting also injured six police officers, three of whom are still hospitalized on Thursday.

Once the two suspects have been identified, the police announce that they will inform their relatives.

“Then we will move forward to find out more about them,” said the cap. Alex Bérubé during a live update outside Saanich Police Headquarters on Thursday.

« I mean their background, who they are, their stories and how it may 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. Saanich Police Chief. Dean Duthie, however, was able to clarify that the officers encountered the two armed men as they left the bank on Tuesday.

He added that a white van parked at the scene, which is now riddled with bullet holes, was a police vehicle.

During this time, 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 this [the explosive disposal unit] was a very unstable 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 are asking 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 several firearms found at the scene were also recovered by police.

The RCMP officer said he was unable to provide details of the firearms, however, due to concurrent investigations by VIIMCU and the provincial police monitoring group, the Bureau British Columbia Independent Investigations.

“I can say that several units and personnel specialized in the processing and identification of firearms are involved,” he said.

‘I CAN ONLY IMAGINE’

The Saanich Police Chief again thanked first responders, as well as staff at E-Comm, the organization responsible for responding to nearly all 911 calls received in British Columbia.

« This dedicated, committed and professional team handled the 911 emergency calls that were received for this event, » Duthie said.

“You and I can only imagine the nature of the incoming calls, the dread and emotion that weaves throughout these calls,” he said, adding that the dispatchers were invaluable in helping to direct and to respond to officers in the field.

Duthie also expressed sympathy for the staff and customers who were inside the Bank of Montreal when the incident occurred.

« They had an incident that will probably never be forgotten and [will] probably repeating themselves often in their minds over and over,” he said.

“To all BMO staff and all BMO customers on this day, know that the Saanich Police Department is thinking of you from the bottom of our hearts and we hope you have the support you need to deal with what you need. you lived and moved forward in a healthy way. «

The police chief also expressed his gratitude to nearby residents and businesses who were evacuated on Tuesday, some of whom were unable to return home or reopen their stores two days later as police process the scene. .

“I know your lives have been significantly disrupted by road closures and 24-hour venue security,” he said. « Your understanding, patience and support are greatly appreciated. »