A police-related incident near Campbell River Thursday has resulted in the death of one man as well as a RCMP Police Service Dog.
Just before 9 a.m. this morning, an RCMP officer in Campbell River attempted to stop a vehicle in relation to an outstanding warrant, when the vehicle fled the area.
A short time later, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the parking lot of Tim Hortons in the 2000 block of the South Island Highway.
An RCMP officer boxed in the vehicle before approaching the suspect with a police service dog.
A confrontation occurred, resulting in the K9 being stabbed by the suspect and the man being shot.
Both the police service dog and suspect were pronounced dead on scene. BC RCMP have confirmed PSD Gator was the K9 killed in the line of duty.
PSD Gator was born May 1st, 2014 and spent his entire service with partner and handler since June 10th, 2016 in Campbell River.
Statement from the Commanding Officer of BC RCMP about the loss of PSD Gator https://t.co/u87fEHV5fp #CampbellRiver pic.twitter.com/x72FwDeC9C
— Campbell River RCMP (@CampbellRivRCMP) July 8, 2021
The police dog handler was also treated for a knife wound. No other people were injured.
“It is with great sadness that we share that earlier today our Police Service Dog Gator died while assisting with a call in Campbell River,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, the Commanding Officer of BC RCMP
“Our dogs are valuable police resources that provide operational assistance on a daily basis, companionship for employees and act as community ambassadors for our detachments. PSD Gator was no exception,” said McDonald.
Gator was involved in a variety of files including finding a distraught man in a snowfall and helping with the arrest of a knife wielding man who robbed a store.
“The loss of Gator has affected the detachment,” said Inspector Jeff Preston, Officer in Charge of the Campbell River RCMP.
“The loss of Campbell River’s Police Dog Service Gator today, is something I never thought I would have to endure. The importance of the role he played in keeping our community safe will not be forgotten,” added Preston.
The case has been turned over to the IIO BC.
