An armed man was fatally shot by a Victoria police officer on Sunday morning.
No officers were injured in the incident, said Victoria police.
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak offered condolences to the man’s family in a video address Sunday night. “My thoughts and those of our officers and staff are with them today.”
Just before 10 a.m. on Sunday, Saanich police were called to Douglas Street near Mayfair Shopping Centre for a report of an armed man “in crisis” making threats, Manak said.
“While attending, officers learned of an additional report that the man had stolen from a nearby liquor store while armed,” said Manak, reading a statement.
Several Victoria police officers were deployed to assist with the incident at Douglas Street and Tolmie Avenue, near the Saanich-Victoria border.
Officers engaged with the man until about 11 a.m., he said.
There was “an interaction” between officers and the armed man, said Manak, “and a VicPD officer shot the individual.”
Emergency first aid was provided by officers until B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics arrived, but the man died of his injuries at the scene, Victoria police spokesman Const. Cam MacIntyre said in a statement.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has been notified and will conduct an independent investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477.
Douglas Street between Finlayson Street and Tolmie Avenue remained closed for several hours.
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
