Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a 25-year-old man with a gun inside a Vaughan bank was shot and killed by officers.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said York Regional Police were called to a RBC bank, located near Dufferin Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West, just after 1 p.m. with reports of an armed man inside with hostages.
“When our first responding officers did arrive, they did locate a man inside with a gun as a report had indicated,” York Regional Police Const. Andy Pattenden told reporters Wednesday afternoon, adding tactical officers and negotiators were called in to assist.
“Unfortunately lethal force had to be used to subdue the subject.”
Pattenden said officers first on scene were able to get some employees and customers out of the bank. The SIU later said 13 hostages were in the bank at the time of the incident.
Eventually the remaining people in the bank were brought out by police. Pattenden said none of the customers or employees were physically harmed, but said victim services was contacted to provide support.
“They’re definitely traumatized. This would have been a very traumatic event and we’ll be doing that we can to help those people,” Pattenden said.
VIDEO: York police comment on fatally shooting of armed man inside Vaughan RBC
By mid-afternoon, Pattenden said officers were in the process of checking the bank and examining a nearby vehicle. Later in the evening bomb disposal equipment could be seen near the bank as officers. Police would not confirm what, if any, devices were found inside the bank.
A nearby daycare was evacuated in the afternoon as police had the bank surrounded.
The SIU, an independent agency that investigates incidents involving police that have resulted in death, said Wednesday evening it has launched an investigation into officers’ conduct. They said the man was shot by two officers. York Regional Police are continuing to investigate the whole incident itself.
A RBC spokesperson told Global News in an email statement that bank employees and patrons are now receiving support.
“Our number one priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients and employees and we are extremely relieved that they are all safe and accounted for,” the bank statement said.
Meanwhile, roads in the area were closed by police for the investigation.
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