VANCOUVER Police are seeking witnesses and victims after a man allegedly assaulted several strangers before brandishing a weapon and being shot by police in Gastown on Monday night.
Several people called 9-1-1 when a man allegedly began assaulting passersby near Abbott Street and West Cordova Street shortly after 10 p.m.
Witnesses told police the man slapped a woman, assaulted a cyclist, then tried to attack someone who was walking amongst a group of people outside Nester’s Market. He also allegedly tried to start a fight near the Metropole Pub and brandished a weapon before being confronted by police.
Officers from Vancouver Police responded to the 9-1-1 calls and located the suspect walking on Cambie Street. The VPD officers were joined by Transit Police, and following a confrontation with officers, the suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital.
B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office is investigating the circumstances that led to the police-involved shooting.
VPD’s Major Crime Section is investigating the alleged criminal offences that occurred prior to police contact, and asks victims or witnesses who have not yet come forward to call 604-717-2541.