The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) have released a photo of the suspect vehicle used in a botched robbery in Saanich on Tuesday.
The incident saw two suspects killed and six members of the Greater Victoria Response team suffer gunshot wounds.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie told reporters that when officers encountered the two suspects, who were armed, outside of the BMO branch, located on Shelbourne Street, they engaged and shot them dead.
Three of the officers, who suffered life-threatening injuries, remain in hospital and will require further surgery—no further details were released on their conditions.
According to a release from BC RCMP who are assisting with the investigation, a number of firearms were recovered at the site.
“Investigators continue to process the large, public crime scene to gather all evidence,” said Duthie.
“This takes considerable time and resources to complete and again, we appreciate the community’s support, understanding and patience as this continues,” he added.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) is working with the provincial coroner service to identify the suspects, both males, and notify next of kin.
“Numerous witnesses have been interviewed, however we still have many more interviews to conduct,” said RCMP Cpl. Alex Bérubé .
“We also continue to canvass the neighbourhood and gather both physical and digital evidence from the scene and surrounding area. We would to thank the numerous individuals and businesses who have already met with and worked with investigators – with respect to information and videos.”
A vehicle in the BMO parking lot, believed to be associated with the suspects, was found to have multiple improvised explosive devices in it.
The RCMP Provincial Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called in to further assess the devices prior to being handled. They were safely transferred to a container and then ultimately taken to another site where they were safely destroyed.
The explosives were described as being a highly volatile and a dangerous situation.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white four door 1992 Toyota Camry with two black racing stripes over the hood and roof.
VIIMCU are asking anyone who may have any information about this vehicle or its movements in the week prior to Tuesday to call them at 250-380-6211.
You can send Saanich PD and VicPD your well-wishes here
