British Columbia’s civilian police watchdog is investigating after a transit police officer shot a man in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood during a weapons call Monday night.
In a media release, Metro Vancouver Transit Police said its officers and members of the Vancouver Police Department were called to the 300 block of West Cordova Street just after 10 p.m. to reports of a man threatening people with a weapon.
“During the interaction, shots were fired by Transit Police. A 38-year-old man was injured and taken to hospital, where he remains in police custody,” Transit police said.
“No officers were injured during the altercation.”
In their own media release, Vancouver police said the man “allegedly assaulted several strangers before brandishing a weapon and being shot.”
“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,” Sgt. Steve Addison wrote.
“He also allegedly tried to start a fight near the Metropole Pub and brandished a weapon before being confronted by police.”
The Independent Investigations Office, which probes all police-involved incidents resulting in serious harm or death, is reviewing the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video or information, is asked to contact the IIO via its witness line or through the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.