The last remaining police officer who was seriously injured in a shootout at a Saanich bank more than two months ago was released from hospital today.
On June 28th at approximately 11 a.m., officers with Saanich Police, Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), and VicPD responded to a call from the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street in Saanich.
Two armed men entered the bank and engaged in a shootout with police outside the building.
The men were identified later as brothers from Duncan.
The shootout injured three officers from VicPD and three officers from Saanich Police who were transported to hospital following the shootout.
On July 11th, the Saanich Police stated in a news release that of the six members of the GVERT injured, two remained in hospital care for surgery due to the nature of their injuries
Today, the last of the officers injured has been released from hospital care 71 days after the shootout and just over a month since the last officer was released.
The officer had a crowd of family, friends, fellow police officers, firefighters and health care workers show up to Victoria General Hospital to send him off.
Family, friends, police officers, and many others lined the road outside Victoria General Hospital today as the final officer injured in a fatal Saanich bank shootout was released from care.
More: https://t.co/VUHplJ2PBe
Video courtesy of @SaanichPolice #victoriabuzz #yyj pic.twitter.com/flfnBvG6OK
— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) September 7, 2022
The identities of the officers involved were not released to protect their privacy and safety following the shootout.
SPD is beaming as our final officer is released from #VGH after 71 days. This hero took a few steps on his own – pure drive and resilience. Embraced by family, @SaanichPolice, #GVERT, #PAS, @islandhealth, and many more. So grateful for all the care and ongoing support! #yyj pic.twitter.com/IqBfte7BkD
— Dean Duthie (@ChiefDuthie) September 7, 2022
During their recovery time several initiatives were started to raise money for the injured officers and their families to aid their recovery.
The Victoria Shamrocks junior lacrosse team hosted their “Stronger Together” game in July to raise money for the officers. Over 60 items and packages were donated to their silent auction that went from July 22nd to July 26th.
A GoFundMe was started as well by the The Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union. They raised $277,752 with a total of over 1,500 donations.
“On behalf of all the Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union members, we would like to express our sincerest thank you to everyone who has donated, shared and promoted this fundraiser. The kind and generous support from the community has been overwhelming and extremely valued during this difficult time,” VicPD and Saanich Police said in a statement on the GoFundMe page.
