Saanich police have lifted the shelter order at the site, saying they have found no further evidence of a potential third suspect.
Two suspects have been killed and six members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were wounded in a shooting at the Bank of Montreal on Saanich’s Shelbourne Street on Tuesday morning.
The incident, described as “chaotic, tragic and violent” by Saanich police chief Dean Duthie, began around 11 a.m. when officers responded to a report that two heavily armed men had entered the bank. at block 3600 Shelbourne Street, just south of Cedar Hill Cross Road.
Numerous officers from Saanich, Victoria and the GVERT responded and came across two suspects who shot at police. Police returned fire and the two suspects died at the scene.
Three Saanich officers and three Victoria officers, all members of the GVERT, were injured. Three officers were expected to be released after treatment, Duthie said. The other three suffered much more serious injuries and were operated on.
“This is a very difficult day for us here at the Saanich Police Department, for the Victoria Police Department and for the entire Saanich community,” Duthie said at a press conference in the afternoon. “We keep their families up to date and are doing our best to support them as well as support all of our staff.”
Victoria’s acting police chief, Colin Watson, said officers endangered their lives and that the department has been significantly affected.
“There is a sense of sadness and frustration at what has happened, but also a sense of determination to do the best job possible in very difficult circumstances,” Watson said. “This is the kind of event we hope we’ll never see. But that’s also why we offer training and prepare our officers for the worst day, and this is one of those days.”
Both police chiefs stressed that officers will continue to respond to calls for help.
“All our sworn members, civilians and volunteers are feeling what has happened today and we are here for them and we will continue to be here for them throughout this. Because it will not last a day, two days, it will be long lasting.… We we will stay strong and be the police department on which they depend day by day, ”Duthie said.
It’s unbelievable that no citizen has been injured, Duthie said. GVERT was deployed and close by and his quick response was invaluable, he said.
Police did not say why GVERT were already deployed or whether they had previously received information about the robbery at the bank.
Homes and businesses near the bank were evacuated when police discovered a “potential explosive device” in a white van believed to be driving the suspects. The BC RCMP explosives disposal unit was called to deal with the device.
Police received “vague information” about a third suspect and searched the area with police dogs and a helicopter, but a shelter order for nearby residents was lifted at 6 p.m. after officers found no further evidence. of another suspect.
Police had no information about the men who were killed, Duthie said.
A dark-haired man, with motorcycle boots, body armor, hockey pants and a military jacket with a Canadian flag on his shoulder, was seen lying motionless in the parking lot off the bench. His body was surrounded by what looked like a discarded tactical police team.
Shortly after 12:30 p.m., about 25 people who had been at the bank during the robbery were escorted by armed officers to a bus waiting for them. Some were crying. Witnesses were taken to police forces for their attention and statement.
Dozens of officers remained off the bench Tuesday afternoon, along with at least four ambulances.
Shelbourne Street was blocked from Cedar Hill Cross Road past Pear Street, with marked and unmarked police vehicles filling the street. Officers with guns and dog equipment were off the bench.
The public was asked to avoid the area.
Charlotte Priest, an assistant at the Lifeline Animal Clinic across Shelbourne Street from the bank, said some of the clinic’s clients heard the shooting and took refuge in the building. “That’s when we realized there was something. So we just closed the shutters and protected ourselves and kept away from the windows.”
A pedestrian also took refuge in the waiting area, Priest said, noting that a police van was parked at the entrance to the clinic.
“There are many businesses in the area. It’s a little shocking that it happens here.
“Everyone is a little upset.”
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes posted on Twitter: “Our hearts are with our officers, bank staff and residents.… There are no words to describe how horrible this is.”
In the nearby St. Michael’s University School, a woman said the school was in “safe” mode, with all the outside doors closed and everyone inside.
Megson FitzPatrick’s insurance services office on Shelbourne Street had about 20 employees inside, behind closed exterior doors.
Jacqueline Niemann, who ran the office on Tuesday, said she heard noises but did not immediately recognize the sound as a gunshot. Police cars that arrived at the scene alerted his office of the situation.
Everyone is safe, he said. “It’s pretty scary.”
Hannah Young, a pharmacy assistant at Heart Pharmacy on Shelbourne Plaza across the street from the bank, said she heard “what was definitely a shot.” “And he continued. I looked outside and I could see people hiding with their cars in the parking lot.
Young said she was not afraid but was concerned about the safety of people in the area.
“Should we close the door? Throw customers in? Close? It was more of a fight or flight response, “Young said.” We saw they were old people sitting outside and we told them they had to come in. They took everyone inside away from the windows in the back half of the room. pharmacy.
Saanich police are asking people who took photos and recorded videos to send them as evidence to saanichpd.ca.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/22-12262.
Jeff Roman, a spokesman for BMO Bank, said in a statement that the company is “deeply saddened” by the incident. “The safety and security of our customers and employees is our priority and our thoughts are with all the people affected by today’s events.”
Roman thanked the emergency services for their prompt assistance and for helping maintain public safety.
Saanich police are leading the investigation, with the assistance of the RCMP and a Lower Mainland emergency response team, among others.
An Island Health official said medical teams at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospitals were stepping up to respond to the incident. The Jubilee emergency department had briefly restricted access to ensure safety, but neither hospital was under an orange code, which refers to mass casualties, the official said.
“In situations like this, we quickly redistribute staff as needed and implement contingency plans to ensure our hospitals and staff are in the best position to respond,” Island Health said.
As with all shootings involving agents in British Columbia, the Office of Independent Investigations is investigating.
ldickson@timescolonist.com
cjwilson@timescolonist.com