The RCMP bomb disposal unit removed “extremely dangerous” explosives from a suspected vehicle at the scene of an armed bank robbery and exchange of gunfire, transported them to the Hartland Landfill and destroyed them early Wednesday afternoon, police said in a statement. . “This was an extremely volatile and dangerous situation and their know-how was done with professionalism and discernment,” Duthy said on Wednesday, accompanied by senior Victoria and Sanic police officers. Two heavily armed suspects were killed and six members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were shot dead in a “volatile, dangerous and deadly” exchange of gunfire at the Bank of Montreal on Selbourne Street on Tuesday morning, authorities said. Three police officers remain in hospital after extensive surgery. A Saanich officer is being treated in the intensive care unit and will need further surgery. Three others were treated and released from the hospital and are at home recovering with their families, Duthie said. “My heart goes out to all the officers involved in yesterday’s incident, all the team members and their families, their friends and colleagues,” Duthie said. “I went to the hospitals and talked to the officers and their families. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the public for their continued support. It means a lot to them. “ On Wednesday morning, Duthie watched the video of the fight. “I can say how excited I am by the bravery shown by these officers. These officers were officers of the patrol, front line and emergency response team. They ran towards live and active fire, while the human instinct would be to run away from imminent danger. “Our motto is ‘Keep Saanich Safe’ and that’s exactly what these officers did.” Duthie said he has received an explosion of support from police services throughout BC. and throughout Canada. “The support, encouragement and camaraderie is alive and well and serves our members well and keeps them motivated and inspired,” he said. The investigation is now in the hands of the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. On Wednesday, police continued to comb the crime scene. Shelbourne Street from Cedar Hill Cross Road to Donnelly Street was left behind by police. Nearby shops and offices and the Shelbourne Plaza were closed. Police are still investigating the possibility of a third suspect, but do not believe the public is in danger. The investigation was based on “vague information” and a shelter that was in place was removed. Researchers will continue to assess the risk and inform the public, Duthie said. The leader confirmed that the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team had already deployed near a completely different operation when the armed robbery took place. They managed to get away with the other call because bank robbery was a higher priority, he said. It is a miracle that no member of the public was injured, he said. “This concerns the swift and decisive action of the police who responded to his incident, both on patrol and on ERT,” Duthie said. The 27-year-old police veteran described the level of violence as “beyond what we have seen here in the past”. Police did not provide any information on the identities 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 truck full of bullets in the bank parking lot. Initially, police said it was the suspects’ van, then said they did not know it. RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Manseau asked members of the public for advice on searching the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit information line at 250-380-6211. Anyone with digital information related to the incident, in the form of videos or photos, is invited to upload the information via a website. The Office of Independent Investigations is also investigating the police shooting. [email protected]
