RCMP’s anti-gang officer shot and injured a man in Surrey on Thursday evening near the intersection of 108th Avenue and 148th Street in Guildford area. The person was sitting in a silver Toyota when he was shot at by the police officer. Police were involved in a vehicle check and during this check the officer shot at the person sitting inside the car. The incident occurred just after 5 pm Thursday.

An independent investigation will now be conducted into this incident, it has been confirmed.

A spokesman with BC Ambulances Service said one basic life-support unit and one advanced life-support unit were sent to the scene. One patient was transported to hospital.

No information was released on the identity of the victim or the extent of his injuries, although witnesses reported hearing the man scream as he was loaded into an ambulance.

Many businesses, including a pub, a convenience store and a strip mall are located near the intersection. CFSEU spokesman Sgt. Lindsey Houghton confirmed the shooting occurred, but released no further details about the investigation that had been taking place prior to the shooting.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) conducts gang-related investigations and targets organized crime.

“The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms it has deployed investigators to Surrey and has taken over the investigation after being notified of an officer involved shooting,” said IIOBC spokesman Ralph Krenz in a statement released late Thursday.

The IIOBC deals with cases relating to incidents of death or serious harm that involve on- and off-duty police.

It’s expected Surrey RCMP will also conduct their own review into the shooting.