Three police officers still in hospital after Saanich bank shooting

One week after a brazen shooting left the Vancouver Island community of Saanich shaken, police have shared some new details into the health of the officers who were shot.

Saanich Police Chief Const. Dean Duthie says one of three Saanich officers who were injured was released from the hospital the same day of the June 28 shooting.

“We currently still have two officers in hospital in various stages of medical condition,” he told CityNews.

One of those officers remains in the ICU and has undergone three surgeries to date. Duthie says he is surrounded by his friends and family, and has been able to have short conversations.

“His family is providing unbelievable support and love … and their their energy is there. They’re in it for the long run. And that’s very comforting.”

A second officer who is in stable condition in hospital has served the Saanich Police Department for eight years. The chief says he was able to visit with that officer on Monday, adding the officer feels the support of the community and is grateful.

“I’m just so amazed and inspired by his attitude. The words coming out of his mouth were just in support of his team,” Duthie said.

“I’m very pleased to say that both are moving forward … albeit slowly and it’s going to be a very long journey ahead of them.”

Read more: GoFundMe for officers hurt in Saanich shooting raises thousands

Duthie says the department has chosen not to name the officers to protect their privacy and that of their family members, despite earlier indications that the department would release their names. He says the attention must remain on the healing process of all of the officers involved.

“The whole point of this is to ensure the recovery by respecting full privacy for these these officers and their families. Because we’re one week into it, and it is a very difficult time for them. I don’t want anything to impede that.”

Duthie says he personally met with the officer who was released last week and is recovering at home.

“His inner strength, his positive outlook … I feel it and it inspires me,” he said.

“He made very clear that his thoughts and prayers are with his fellow teammates in hospital.”

Three other officers with the Victoria Police Department were also shot. One remains in the hospital, while the other two have been sent home to recover.

Victoria police have also chosen not shared their names at this time.

“We echo Saanich Police Department Chief Duthie’s comments that we need to do what is best for our officers and their families and respect their wishes for privacy at this time,” said Bowne Osoko who speaks for that force.

On Saturday, investigators revealed the names of the suspects as twin brothers Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie.

The 22-year-olds were shot and killed during the attempted bank robbery.

The June 28 incident forced police to issue a shelter-in-place advisory, as officers searched for an additional suspect. However, in a tweet later that day, 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.

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

The motive into the shooting remains under investigation, and the B.C. police watchdog has also been called in to examine the actions of police.

Related articles:

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

• Saanich shooting suspects identified, motive still unclear

A GoFundMe campaign that was set up by the Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union has raised more than $180,000 as of Tuesday.

“The money raised will allow us to provide continued support to our members in a variety of ways including but not limited to accommodation and transportation for families of those who are in hospital, psychological support, modifications to homes to allow for future transition from hospital and much more,” the campaign reads in part.

Duthie says he’s overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from his community and others across B.C.

“I know people support people when things like this happen and to experience this firsthand from our position here is overwhelming. I am so grateful on behalf of the entire organization … I can’t find the words express my gratitude and thanks but it is helping us heal,” he said.

“Reading the words in the cards, hearing people express their heartfelt thoughts. It’s human spirit to its greatest and we again are so truly grateful and appreciate it.”

With files from Hana Mae Nassar