UPDATE (Jan.21): As a result of an on-going investigation, 32-year-old Nathan McVannell of Surrey has been charged with aggravated assault, using a firearm, pointing a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, resisting arrest, theft and breach of firearms prohibition. He remains in custody to appear before the courts.
The first man who was arrested without incident, 31-year-old Henry Bennett Smith of Langley, has been charged with breach of probation and was released.
Investigators are asking any witnesses with information to give them a call.
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The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has been sent to an officer-involved shooting near Boyd Street in New Westminster.
At noon Friday, New Westminster Police said they responded to a report of a man causing a disturbance near the 800-block of Boyd Street. Police arrived on the scene and the suspect was shot and later taken to hospital.
BC Ambulance said two ground ambulances were dispatched and one person was transported in critical condition.
Witnesses told Global News they saw two police officers confront a male suspect, who then pulled out a gun and fled behind the mall toward the Fraser River. The witnesses said they heard shots fired from that area. Reports indicate there was a second suspect arrested without incident.
Police are in the early stages of their investigation with two areas outside the mall taped off and canine units on the scene. The mall located near the scene of the shooting is still open.
IIO investigators are currently processing the scene, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as well as police officers.
At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, the IIO held a press conference to say it is in the preliminary stages of its investigation. At this time, it could not disclose any information about the suspect. IIO manager of communications Marten Youssef said the investigation is focused on the police officers involved in the shooting.
This is the first officer-involved shooting of 2016, and the 29th shooting since the IIO was formed in September 2012.
No other people were injured in the incident.
MAP: Location of shooting
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