The RCMP’s bomb disposal unit removed “extremely dangerous” explosives from a suspicious vehicle at the scene of a robbery at an armed bank and a shooting, transported them to the Hartland landfill and destroyed Wednesday early in the afternoon, according to police.
The RCMP’s bomb disposal unit removed “extremely dangerous” explosives from a suspicious vehicle at the scene of a robbery at an armed bank and a shooting, transported them to the Hartland landfill and destroyed Wednesday early in the afternoon, Saanich police chief Dean Duthie told a news conference.
“This was a very volatile and risky situation and his experience was carried out with professionalism and distinction,” Duthie said on Wednesday, flanked by senior officers from the Victoria and Saanich police departments.
Two heavily armed suspects were killed and six members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were wounded by gunfire in a “volatile, dangerous and deadly” exchange of gunfire at the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street on Tuesday in the morning, the chief said.
Three officers remain in hospital after extensive surgery. A Saanich officer is being cared for in the intensive care unit and will need more surgery. Three more people were cared for and discharged from the hospital and are at home recovering with their families, Duthie said.
“My heart is with all the officers involved in yesterday’s incident, all the team members and their families, friends and colleagues,” Duthie said. “I attended hospitals and talked to the agents and their families. They wanted me to convey their gratitude and appreciation to the public for their constant support. It means a lot to them.”
Wednesday morning, Duthie reviewed the video of the shooting.
“I can say how excited I am by the courage shown by these agents. These agents were patrols, front-line agents, and emergency response team agents. They ran towards live and active shots while the human instinct would be to flee from the impending danger. Our motto is “Keep Saanich safe” and that is exactly what these agents did. “
Duthie said he has received strong support from law enforcement agencies across BC and across Canada.
“Support, encouragement and companionship are alive and well and serve our members well and keep them motivated and inspired,” he said.
The investigation is now in the hands of the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit.
On Wednesday, officers continued to review the crime scene. Shelbourne Street from Cedar Hill Cross Road to Donnelly Street was left behind the police tape. The nearby shops and offices and Shelbourne Plaza were closed.
Police are still investigating the possibility of a third suspect, but do not believe the public is at risk. The search was based on “vague information” and a welcome order was lifted. Researchers will continue with a risk assessment and keep the public informed, Duthie said.
The chief confirmed that the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team was already deployed nearby in a completely different operation when the armed robbery occurred. They were able to drop the other call because bank robbery was a higher priority, he said.
It is a miracle that no citizen has been injured, he said. “This corresponds to the swift and determined action of the police who responded to his incident, both patrol and ERT,” Duthie said.
The 27-year-old police veteran described the level of violence as “apart from what we’ve seen here in the past.”
Police did not provide any information about the identity of the suspects or whether they left the bank with money. Police did not disclose how many explosives were found, what type they were or what they could be used for.
There was confusion about a white van full of bullets in the bank parking lot. Initially, police said it was the suspects’ van, then said they did not know.
The RCMP sergeant. Chris Manseau asked members of the public to send investigation-related advice to the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit information line at 250-380-6211. Anyone with digital evidence related to the incident, in the form of video or photographs, is asked to upload the information through an online site.
The Office of Independent Investigations is also investigating the police shooting.
ldickson@timescolonist.com