害羞草研究所淭hat害羞草研究所檚 an example of a hero who put their life on the line,害羞草研究所� said Saanich Police Department Chief Dean Duthie when asked about the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team medic who, with only a pistol, stood in front of injured officers to face gunfire from two suspects armed with semi-automatic rifles.
Almost six months after the incident, Duthie and Victoria Police Department Chief Del Manak gave a statement at the Saanich Police Department in response to the Dec. 21 report issued by the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO).
The civilian-led police oversight agency cleared officers of any wrongdoing for their use of lethal force during the June 28 Saanich BMO shootout. While many questions remain, the report did outline more details about the bank robbery and the exchange of gunfire between the two suspects and GVERT.
READ MORE:
害羞草研究所淲e all saw the video, we saw what happened, how quickly it happened 害羞草研究所� That was the only course of action that could resolve that situation in the quickest, most peaceful way to reduce harm as best as possible,害羞草研究所� Duthie said of the lethal force.
Manak added, 害羞草研究所渢he report paints a clear picture of the events that officers faced.害羞草研究所�
Six officers were shot during the exchange and two suspects 害羞草研究所� brothers Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie 害羞草研究所� were killed.
Of the six officers, three were members of the Saanich Police Department and three were members of the VicPd.
By June 29, three of the injured officers had been released from hospital but the other three sustained what were initially considered life-threatening injuries, some requiring extensive surgeries.
The last injured officer was released from hospital on Sept. 7 害羞草研究所� 71 days after the shootout.
In the Dec. 21 update, the chiefs said two of the injured officers have returned to work but four 害羞草研究所� two from VicPD and two from Saanich 害羞草研究所� are still recovering and have not returned.
Of the two Saanich members, Duthie said 害羞草研究所渢heir attitudes and their inner strength and their passion for recovery couldn害羞草研究所檛 be stronger and it inspires every one of us 害羞草研究所� But their journey is going to be a long one.害羞草研究所�
READ MORE:
Duthie and Manak thanked the community for their continued support.
Manak noted officers and civilian staff continue to receive supports to deal with the physical and emotional toll taken on members and their families. Duthie added the report will likely stir up a range of emotions and he hoped it will help members of the departments, their families, community members and others involved in the incident on their healing journey.
Both departments often think of BMO staff and customers who were in the bank that day. On a recent visit to the Shelbourne branch, Duthie said members were overcome when they exited into the parking lot and noted processing trauma is not easy and takes time.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit continues its investigation. While Duthie said that investigation is actively continuing, he couldn害羞草研究所檛 give a timeline on when it may be completed.
READ MORE:
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroom@vicnews.com.
Follow us on and and like us on
