Constable John Davidson identified as Abbotsford Police officer who was killed on Monday in exchange of gunfire (update)

Constable John Davidson

Oscar Ferdinand Arfmann has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Constable John Davidson.

 

ABBOTSFORD Police on Tuesday identified the officer who was killed on Monday in an exchange of gunfire as Constable John Davidson.

Davidson worked as a police officer for 24 years. He began his law enforcement career in the United Kingdom working for the Northumbria Police from 1993 to 2005. On March 3, 2006, he was hired by the Abbotsford Police Department. He worked in the Patrol, Youth Squad and Traffic Sections.

Recently Davidson completed the Tour de Valley Cops for Cancer ride. He was a dedicated police officer who devoted so much of his time to connecting with the community and helping kids.

Recently, Davidson completed the Tour de Valley Cops for Cancer ride.

Davidson is survived by his wife and three adult children.

Abbotsford Police said in a press statement: “The Abbotsford Police Department lost an amazing colleague and friend who died in the line of duty. Our community lost a hero.”

At 11:35 a.m. on Monday, the Abbotsford Police Department received a report of a possible stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping complex in the 3200-block of Mount Lehman Road. The caller blocked the suspected stolen vehicle in while awaiting police arrival. A male suspect then began shooting at the caller and others with a shotgun. There were several 911 calls received reporting the shots fired at 11:52 a.m.

APD officers arrived in the area and attempted to engage and arrest the suspect. There was an exchange of gunfire. An APD officer was shot and injured during this contact with the suspect. The injured APD officer was transported to hospital with very serious injuries.

The suspect then fled the area in the stolen vehicle and was apprehended by APD officers in the intersection of Mount Lehman Road and Fraser Highway. He was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect is a male in his sixties from Alberta.

The injured APD officer was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after arrival.

“This is a continuing investigation with many details and questions to be addressed in time. Our priority will be supporting the officer’s family and each other as we deal with these tragic circumstances,” said Constable Ian MacDonald.

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has been deployed and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is assuming charge of the investigation.

 

PREMIER John Horgan said in a statement:

“On behalf of the Province of B.C., I want to say that we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of an Abbotsford Police Department officer this afternoon while answering a 911 call.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of this officer at this very difficult time.

“As British Columbians, we are filled with grief at this tragic loss and give gratitude to all those who put their lives on the line for us every day.

“I understand that the Independent Investigations Office, Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, and others are involved in investigating this tragedy and we will let them do their work.”

 

OPPOSITION Leader Rich Coleman said in a statement:

“On behalf of myself and my colleagues, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the officer who tragically lost his life protecting the community of Abbotsford today.

“I know personally the sadness that comes with the loss of a colleague and friend in the line of duty. We take this moment to offer our appreciation to the brave men and women who put their lives at risk to protect British Columbians, and grieve with them for this loss.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the officer who have lost a loved one through this tragedy, and with the Abbotsford Police Department who have lost a member of their own.”

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Deep condolences on behalf of me and my family to the officer’s family and his colleagues who are doing great job to maintain the law and order.

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