The province’s independent investigation unit has launched an investigation after a 32-year-old man was shot by police in Gaspé.
According to the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), the shooting happened early Sunday morning in a commercial parking lot in Gaspé.
Two officers with the Sûreté du Québec encountered the man, who was known to police, in the parking lot.
Preliminary reports suggest the man was holding a blunt object and rushed toward the officers. A least one shot was fired, injuring the man.
The victim is expected to survive.
In a written statement, the BEI said its job now is to ascertain the veracity of those reports.
The shooting comes one day after a vigil in Montreal to commemorate victims of police violence.
READ MORE: Vigil for victims of police violence held in Montreal
The event was organized by Justice for Victims of Police Killings, which has criticized the BEI, calling into question its independence.
“We denounce the creation of the of the ‘independent’ police investigation bureau that is made up of 14 of 18 ex-police employees, and 11 former police officers,” reads a statement by the group.
Six investigators are headed to Gaspé and are expected to arrive by 7:00 p.m. Sunday.
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