Police were called when two armed men believed to be wearing armor entered a bank on Shelbourne Street at around 11am on Tuesday. In a media briefing Tuesday afternoon, Sanic police chief Dean Duthy said the shooting began when the suspects left the bank, creating a very dangerous situation for the public. “I do not know who fired first at this point. But there were multiple shots. And where we are, I do not know.” CLOCKS Police exchange fire with suspects outside Saanich Bank
Police and suspects exchange multiple shots into deadly shots at BC bank
Two suspects killed, six police officers injured in bank shooting in Saanich, BC Six police officers were shot and taken to hospital. Three of them are members of the Saanich Police Department and three are members of the Victoria Police Department. Police said three police officers are expected to be released after treatment, while three were seriously injured and are undergoing surgery. “We will stay strong through this. We will take care of our members, their families … and move on,” Duthie said. No bank employees, customers or members of the public are believed to have been injured. Duthie said he had never seen such a situation in his 27 years at the Saanich police station. “From what I know of that chaotic, tragic, dynamic, violent scene, the fact that no civilian was injured in any way is truly astonishing.” The Bank of Montreal told the CBC in an email that it was deeply saddened by the incident and thanked emergency responders for their prompt response. “Our thoughts are with every person who is affected by today’s events.”
“A hail of bullets”
Cleo Gagner was getting into her car with her young son after visiting a nearby veterinarian’s office when she said she heard up to 50 gunshots from different guns and said it sounded like an automatic shot. “It was scary. I’ve heard one or two shots in the past. I’ve never heard so many.” She said a police vehicle was found next to her, a police officer jumped out with his gun pulled and the police presence continued to escalate. Gagner said she and her son returned to the vet, where they stayed with others. Officers gathered when two armed men entering a bank were killed in shooting with police at Saanich, BC on Tuesday. (Kevin Light / REUTERS) Christopher Lee Ford, who lives near the bank, said he also heard dozens of gunshots. “My daughter was doing some homework at the table and suddenly you hear a hail of bullets,” he said. He said his family has evacuated the area and plans to stay with his family in another neighborhood for the night. Joan Flood, who lives across the street from the BMO, said after hearing the first shot, she looked out of her window to see police officers running in front of the bank with their guns drawn. “At that time, there were a lot of shots, many, many. I would say it was an automatic shot because they had big guns, they didn’t have pistols.” Flood said she saw a man coming out from behind the bank. “They bent down a little. Then they crawled for a while. Then they lay down there … very soon it was all over except for the person who was lying on the ground and was there for quite some time.”
Provincial leaders express concern, gratitude
During a separate press conference this afternoon, Prime Minister John Horgan expressed concern for the people in the region. “My thoughts are with those who have been affected by violence in my homeland of Vancouver Island,” he said. CLOCKS Daily robbery and shootings with 2 dead and 6 policemen injured:
2 suspects killed, police officers shot in robbery during the day in BC
Two suspects were killed and six police officers were hospitalized with gunshot wounds after an exchange of gunfire during the day at a bank in Saanich, BC. Public Safety Secretary Mike Farnworth thanked police in a statement released Tuesday night. “Today is a strong reminder of the crucial role that police play in maintaining the security of our neighborhoods. My government and I deeply appreciate their courage, professionalism and commitment.” Farnworth said the incident was ongoing and under active investigation. Police will keep the scene overnight while the area remains closed, Saanich police said around 9pm on Tuesday. Earlier, around 6pm, police set up a shelter at the scene, saying there was no further evidence that a third suspect was involved. Homes and businesses near the bank, which were evacuated earlier on Tuesday due to the presence of a possible explosive device in a car linked to the suspects, will remain evacuated overnight. The RCMP Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit is on site. Saanich police ask anyone who has a video of the incident to send it to him through their own proof portal.
