BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia of an incident in Surrey where one man has died.
On Friday at approximately 5:41 a.m., the RCMP received a complaint of an attempted armed robbery in the 14400-block of 108 Avenue in Surrey where the caller advised that a man reportedly pulled out a weapon on a woman and attempted to rob her.
At approximately 5:42 a.m., police received a second call where a man near the location of the first call said he was the victim of a carjacking involving a weapon.
Police officers attended the area and saw a vehicle matching the description of the one that was reported stolen speeding from the area.
Shortly after 7 a.m., in the area of 142A Street and 87A Avenue, a Surrey RCMP frontline officer located a man matching the description of the suspect and a foot pursuit ensued. During the course of the foot pursuit there was a confrontation and the police officer fired their weapon, striking the man. First aid was provided and he was transported to hospital where he later died.
“There was a series of incidents this morning that have greatly impacted residents in our community, as well as all the officers who responded to the scene,” said Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, Officer in Charge of Surrey RCMP. “We are ensuring that all those affected by these incidents, including our officers, are supported during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased man.”
Surrey RCMP continue their parallel investigation into the series of events leading up to the man’s death, and ask anyone with information about those incidents to contact the Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit at 604-599-0502.
The IIO BC has been notified and will be investigating the incident and the actions of the police officers. The area has been closed off to support the investigative needs. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the IIO BC. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.
For more information about the IIO BC, visit its website at www.iiobc.ca .
