The exchange of gunfire also injured six police officers, three of whom remain in hospital on Thursday.
Once the two suspects are identified, police say they will notify their closest relatives.
“Then we will proceed with the definition of more for them,” said RCMP Cpl. Alex Bérubé in a live briefing outside Saanich Police Headquarters on Thursday.
“I mean their background, who they are, their stories and how that can relate to what happened,” he said.
Police say the investigation is still in its infancy and investigators are reluctant to reveal details that could affect the integrity of the investigation.
Police Director Saanich Const. However, Dean Duthie was able to clarify that police officers met the two gunmen as they were leaving the bank on Tuesday.
He added that a white panel van parked at the scene, which is now filled with bullet holes, was a police vehicle.
Bérubé, meanwhile, was able to describe what the suspects’ vehicle looked like and confirm that “improvised explosive devices” had been found inside.
“It’s fair to describe what [the explosive disposal unit] “It was an extremely volatile and dangerous situation,” he said.
The suspects’ vehicle is described as a white, four-door 1992 Toyota Camry with two black racing stripes over the hood and roof.
“We ask anyone with information about this vehicle or its movement one week before Tuesday to call VIIMCU at 250-380-6211,” Bérubé said.
Saanich Police outside the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street on June 28, 2022. (Joan B. Flood / Twitter)
Bérubé says many of the firearms found at the scene have also been recovered by police.
The RCMP officer said he was unable to provide details on the firearms, however, due to simultaneous investigations by the VIIMCU and the provincial police surveillance team, the BC Independent Investigation Bureau
“I can say that many units and personnel involved in dealing with and identifying firearms are involved,” he said.
‘I CAN ONLY IMAGINE’#
The Saanich police chief once again thanked the first correspondents, as well as the staff with E-Comm, the agency responsible for answering almost all 911 calls received in BC.
“This dedicated, dedicated and professional team handled the 911 emergency calls that came for this event,” Duthie said.
“You and I can only imagine the nature of the incoming calls, the horror and emotion that is woven into those calls,” he said, adding that processors were invaluable as they helped guide and respond to officers on the ground.
Duthie also expressed his sympathy for the staff and customers inside the Bank of Montreal when the incident occurred.
“They experienced an incident that will probably never be forgotten [will] “they are probably often repeated in their minds over and over again,” he said.
“To all BMO staff and all BMO customers that day, please know that the Saanich Police Department is thinking of you from the bottom of our hearts and we hope you have the support you need to process what you went through and move on. in a healthy way. “
The police chief also expressed gratitude to nearby residents and businesses evacuated on Tuesday, some of whom were unable to return home or reopen their shops two days later as police processed the scene.
“I know your lives have been severely disrupted by road closures and 24-hour security on the scene,” he said. “Your understanding, patience and support are highly valued.”
