IIO investigating overnight shooting, alleged car-jacking in Vancouver

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) says it is investigating a police-involved shooting that led to one man being injured in Vancouver overnight.

Around 4 a.m. Sunday, the Vancouver Police Department received a report of an alleged car-jacking with a weapon of a black BMW sedan on Main Street near National Avenue, according to the IIO. The VPD says the owner of the car was a security guard who reported the car was stolen by a stranger with a knife and a broken glass bottle.

“Officers reportedly attempted to stop the BMW unsuccessfully before using police vehicles to bring it to a stop near the intersection of E 23 Avenue and Slocan Street,” the IIO said in a release.

“During the interaction that followed, shots were fired by police.”

The VPD says the shooting occurred as officers were taking the driver — who they say was considered armed and dangerous — into custody.

A man was taken to hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury.

“The suspect, who has not been identified, is currently in custody and under police guard at hospital,” Vancouver police said.

“He is receiving treatment for an injured arm and faces multiple criminal charges for robbery, weapons, and driving offences.”

No VPD officers were injured.

The IIO is an independent police watchdog agency that investigates all officer-related incidents involving serious harm or death.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.