B.C. police watchdog called in after officer stabbed, man shot in Richmond

RICHMOND, B.C. – 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 say 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.

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 BC examine police actions during the incident.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 23, 2024.