Police in Saanich, BC, are keeping an area near a bank evacuated while continuing to investigate a possible explosive device related to a deadly shooting with two suspected bank robbers.
The two suspects were shot dead when police responded to the robbery and six officers were injured.
Cap Const. Dean Duthie says two officers were seriously injured and were operated on Tuesday afternoon.
A third agent also remains in the hospital.
CTV News Vancouver Island will broadcast a live Duthie update at 3:30 pm Wednesday on this page and on CTV News.
Duthie says Greater Victoria’s emergency response team was not far from the Bank of Montreal when the report of the armed robbery call arrived and was on the scene in time to confront to the suspects.
Videos on social media show that dozens of shots were fired and police have created an online site to collect videos made by witnesses.
The Office of Independent Investigations, which examines all cases of injury or death involved by police in BC, has also sent a team to the scene and asks anyone with information to speak to its members.
Federal Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino noted the “tremendous sacrifice” made by officers during the robbery at the bank, saying his thoughts are with the community and agents.
Mendicino was speaking in Toronto, where he made an announcement about funding to combat armed and gang violence.
He said he has contacted BC Deputy Prime Minister Mike Farnworth and offered his support.
“It’s one more reminder that armed violence is affecting our communities every day.”
The mayors of the Esquimalt area, Saanich and Victoria expressed their support for the “courage and selfless service” of those officers who ran into danger.
“To the officers who were injured and their families, our thoughts are with you and we send you love as you spend the next few days, weeks and months in recovery,” Mayors Barb Desjardins, Fred Haynes and Lisa Helps said in a statement. . .
“We feel humbled for your service and offer our sincere gratitude for your courage as you put yourself in danger to keep our communities safe.”
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 29, 2022.