HOPE, B.C. — British Columbia's police watchdog is investigating the death of a man who was shot by an RCMP officer in southern British Columbia Wednesday.
Mounties say an "interaction" between the man and officers occurred at the Fraser Canyon Hospital in Hope, B.C., resulting in one officer discharging their firearm.
In a statement, police say the man received immediate medical attention but was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police say they were initially called to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 5 at the Zopkios off-ramp, where multiple people were identified with non-life-threatening injuries and transported to the hospital.
RCMP say an altercation allegedly occurred between two of the injured people that resulted in BC Emergency Health Services personnel requesting police assistance, which is when officers responded to the hospital.
The Fraser Canyon Hospital emergency department is temporarily closed while the Independent Investigations Office of BC investigates.
In a statement, the Fraser Health Authority says all patients, staff and medical personnel are physically safe and unharmed but the department will remain closed until the investigation concludes.
The health authority says ambulance services are still available in Hope and surrounding communities and people needing help can call 911 or go to the Chilliwack General Hospital.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2023.
The Canadian Press
