The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) confirmed they’re investigating a police- involved shooting that occurred on the Pat Bay Highway late Friday night.
While details were slim at the time, at around 10 p.m., Saanich Police issued a tweet saying the Pat Bay Highway was closed in both directions near Vanalman Avenue.
Motorists that were in the area as it unfolded said they were told to leave their vehicles and escape to a safe area.
Several others said they had to take refuge in the Red Barn Market, while others reported hearing a gun shot.
It has now been confirmed that at around 9 p.m. Friday, a Saanich Police officer stopped a vehicle near the 4100 block of Highway 17 to investigate a breach of a conditional sentence order.
During an interaction with police, the driver was shot.
He was transported to hospital, where he underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition in the ICU.
The IIO says an investigation is underway to confirm the details of what occurred during the traffic stop and to determine what role, if any, police actions or inactions played in the man’s injuries.
The highway remained closed until around 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
Following the incident Friday night, several people waiting in the emergency department at Victoria General Hospital told Victoria Buzz it was placed in lockdown, preventing people from entering and exiting the hospital.
A heavy police presence was also reportedly at the hospital, though it’s unclear at this time if the two incidents are connected.
Video obtained by Victoria Buzz captured audio of what appeared to be a man being apprehended by a police K9 near Vanalman Avenue.
At around noon Saturday, investigators could be seen along the Pat Bay Highway combing the brush in the area.
The IIO asks anyone with relevant information about this incident to contact the witness line toll free at 1-855-446-8477.
More details will be provided as they come available.
