Police in Saanich have confirmed they found bombs at the scene of an attempted bank robbery and shootout..Homes and businesses in close proximity to the scene were evacuated and the BC RCMP’s Provincial Explosive Disposal Unit responded to address the devices, which were not publicly confirmed to have been present until late Wednesday afternoon..The unit transported the devices to Heartland Landfill Facility where they were destroyed..A portion of residents and business are still unable to return to their homes and places of work, police say, adding that the crime scene needs further processing. .The police investigation is now being led by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, which will run concurrently to the Independent Investigation Office’s investigation..As with all officer-involved shootings in BC, the independent police watchdog will conduct its own investigation..The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. Tuesday when officers with Saanich police, Victoria police, and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) received and responded to reports of two armed men having entered a bank in the 3600-block of Shelbourne Street..Upon arrival, multiple officers encountered the armed suspects, leading to a shootout..Two suspects were shot and killed by police and six officers suffered gunshot wounds..In a much anticipated update Wednesday afternoon, Saanich police said three of the officers have been released from hospital and are recovering at home, whereas the other three wounded officers remain in hospital following surgery — two of whom will require additional surgeries over the coming months..One officer remains in intensive care..As for specific details regarding the explosives, police have not commented further, nor have police confirmed the suspect's identities..“We respect that there is significant public interest in yesterday’s events, but at this time we are not able to confirm identities, background or motive,” said BC RCMP Major Crime Unit Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon..“We do commit to providing future updates as the investigation progresses and where it is appropriate to share while ensuring the integrity of the investigation.”
Police in Saanich have confirmed they found bombs at the scene of an attempted bank robbery and shootout..Homes and businesses in close proximity to the scene were evacuated and the BC RCMP’s Provincial Explosive Disposal Unit responded to address the devices, which were not publicly confirmed to have been present until late Wednesday afternoon..The unit transported the devices to Heartland Landfill Facility where they were destroyed..A portion of residents and business are still unable to return to their homes and places of work, police say, adding that the crime scene needs further processing. .The police investigation is now being led by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, which will run concurrently to the Independent Investigation Office’s investigation..As with all officer-involved shootings in BC, the independent police watchdog will conduct its own investigation..The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. Tuesday when officers with Saanich police, Victoria police, and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) received and responded to reports of two armed men having entered a bank in the 3600-block of Shelbourne Street..Upon arrival, multiple officers encountered the armed suspects, leading to a shootout..Two suspects were shot and killed by police and six officers suffered gunshot wounds..In a much anticipated update Wednesday afternoon, Saanich police said three of the officers have been released from hospital and are recovering at home, whereas the other three wounded officers remain in hospital following surgery — two of whom will require additional surgeries over the coming months..One officer remains in intensive care..As for specific details regarding the explosives, police have not commented further, nor have police confirmed the suspect's identities..“We respect that there is significant public interest in yesterday’s events, but at this time we are not able to confirm identities, background or motive,” said BC RCMP Major Crime Unit Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon..“We do commit to providing future updates as the investigation progresses and where it is appropriate to share while ensuring the integrity of the investigation.”
