Saanich bank shooting leaves 6 police officers hurt, 2 suspects dead

Six police officers have been shot and two suspects are dead after an attempted armed robbery at a bank in Saanich Tuesday.

Police say say gunfire was exchanged after they were called to the bank around 11 a.m. for reports two armed suspects entered the building near Pear and Shelbourne streets.

The incident forced police to issue a shelter-in-place advisory, as officers searched for an additional suspect. However, in a tweet later Tuesday, police lifted the advisory, saying they had “not uncovered further indication of a potential 3rd suspect.”

UPDATE | We are lifting the shelter in place. We have searched the area & have not uncovered further indication of a potential 3rd suspect. 3600-block of Shelbourne remains closed as we continue to respond to the potential explosive device. #yyj

— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) June 29, 2022

The shelter-in-place advisory was issued for the area of North Dairy Road to Cedar Hill Road, and Richmond Road to Cedar Hill Road.

Evacuations of buildings and homes surrounding the area were also carried out after a vehicle associated with the suspects was found with a potential explosive device inside.

Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean said the measure was taken “to ensure public safety while that potential explosive device is confirmed or determined and safely managed.”

“Our response is being augmented and supported by resources from the BC RCMP and our local police partners at VicPD, Central Saanich Police, Oak Bay Police, and Westshore RCMP,” said Duthie Tuesday, as the investigation continued.

Officers are evacuating homes & businesses within a close proximity to the scene of the incident – a bank at the intersection of Shelbourne St & Pear St (3600-blk Shelbourne St) – due to the presence of a potential explosive device. Please continue to avoid the area. #yyj

— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) June 28, 2022

Investigators say the suspects were “heavily armed,” with body armour reported.

The officers hurt are all members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team — three Saanich Police and three Victoria Police officers.

Their injuries vary in severity, with some undergoing surgery.

“Right now, officers from the Saanich Police Department and the Victoria Police Department, together with our partners, are out in our communities responding to calls for service, continuing to keep everyone safe, knowing that some of their friends and colleagues were shot today and are recovering,” said Victoria Police Deputy Chief Colin Watson.

Officers responded to a report of armed suspects at a bank in the 3600-blk of Shelbourne St. There was an exchange of gunfire. Multiple people have been injured. Please continue to avoid the area.

— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) June 28, 2022

“To the community of Saanich, I want you to know that despite this very challenging day, police service remains active and the Saanich Police Department and our officers will continue responding to your calls for service,” said Duthie.

He admits this is a situation he’s not one he had ever experienced in the community.

“In my service with Saanich being just shy of 27 years, there’s been nothing to this extent in my experience,” Duthie said.

Jackson Grasky was in the area at the time, stopping for lunch when the situation unfolded. He felt it was odd when he saw an officer with their weapon out, and decided to start filming the incident.

“I just kind of noticed more and more cops coming all around us. Everyone in the parking lot kind of backed away,” said Grasky.

“As we were sitting there the canine unit was really the first one I noticed kind of rushing towards (the bank) … that’s when all the gunfire just started unleashing.”

The Independent Investigations Office, which examines all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, has been called in to look at the actions of the officers in the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the toll free hotline at 1-855-446-8477.