A person was found dead at a Campbell River marina and the suspected killer was shot dead when police fired their weapons during a confrontation on Monday.
RCMP officers, the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team and crisis negotiators responded to a report of a homicide and hostage-taking at the Discovery Harbour Authority in the early-morning hours, said Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
After ensuring the safety of the hostages, the officers tried to negotiate with the suspect, she said.
“Attempts were made to negotiate with the man, who was reported to be in possession of a weapon,” said Shoihet. “While interacting with the man, shots were fired.”
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two investigations are now underway.
The Campbell River Major Crimes Unit is investigating the homicide and asking anyone with information to come forward, while the Independent Investigations Office, the civilian oversight agency that investigates officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, will exam police actions.
Police officers fired shots and the Independent Investigations Office will determine whether anyone other than police fired shots, an IIO spokesperson told CHEK News.
A Campbell River resident who declined to be named said a number of homeless people and individuals with problems with drugs and alcoholism are living on boats at the marina because they can’t afford to live anywhere else. “They’ve been living on their boat for years and there have always been problems on the one dock. It’s a sad situation, for sure.”
ldickson@timescolonist.com
