A large police presence in Vancouver’s downtown Eastside Saturday morning was linked to an “officer-involved shooting,” the independent agency tasked with investigating such cases confirmed.
A spokesperson for the British Columbia Independent Investigations Office told CTV News that the agency was called to the scene at East Hastings and Columbia streets.
Images from the scene showed several police cars blocking East Hastings Street and police tape crossing the intersection and nearby sidewalks.
Few other details were available Saturday morning, although the IIO said more information would be released later in the day.
The Vancouver Police Department told CTV News via email that it is dealing with an “evolving situation on Hastings Street,” but could not provide any additional details other than to say there is “no risk to public safety.”
In a tweet, VPD said Hastings Street is closed between Main and Carrall streets and Columbia Street is closed between Pender and Cordova Streets.
The IIO is convened whenever a police incident in British Columbia results in the death or serious injury of a member of the public. The office investigates to determine whether police action or inaction contributed to the injury, and is called upon in all such incidents, regardless of whether there are allegations of police misconduct.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
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