Independent investigators hear from witnesses of officer involved shooting near Salmon Arm

SALMON ARM – Multiple witnesses have come forward to help the province’s police watchdog after a call for witnesses to an officer involved shooting near Salmon Arm.

The Independent Investigations Office is looking into a July 3 incident, which began with an armed robbery. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle which was found in the area of Bernie Road and Highway 1 in the community of Canoe. Officers set up a perimeter and deployed a police dog and handler to establish a track. It was during the search that an officer came into contact with the suspect at an outbuilding on a rural property, investigations spokesperson Kellie Kilpatrick says.

The investigations office won’t comment on what happened between the officer and the suspect, but says both came away with injuries. The suspect, whose name, age and sex is not being released, was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. The officer was also transported to hospital, but was ‘released fairly quickly’ Kilpatrick confirmed Monday, July 13. No update is being provided for the suspect’s condition for privacy reasons.

Independent investigators were at the scene for several days interviewing officers who witnessed the event and collecting physical evidence from the scene, including a bat. Kilpatrick wouldn’t comment on the significance of the bat, but said the office’s forensic specialist will be examining it as part of the ongoing investigation.

An appeal for witnesses last week brought in a number of people investigators had yet to speak with, and the office greatly appreciates them coming forward, Kilpatrick said.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.