‘I heard what sounded like 20 gunshots’: East Vancouver shooting under investigation
Posted August 6, 2023 12:14 pm.
Last Updated August 6, 2023 12:15 pm.
The incident that resulted in police shooting an 18-year-old on Saturday is still under investigation, but residents who live in the area report hearing more than 20 gunshots that day.
This comes after the Vancouver Police Department says officers were called to Clinton Park around 2:15 a.m. for reports of gunfire.
Read more: 18-year-old shot, killed by Vancouver police: IIO
When officers arrived, they reportedly found a person who had a gun, and “shots were fired.” He was then shot by police and later died of his injuries.
Residents living near the park say they’re shocked that the violence happened so close to home.
“Last night, around 2:15 [a.m.], I heard what sounded like 20 gunshots. I thought it was fireworks at first, but then I kept listening and I heard a bunch of police sirens, and then about five more shots and it was silent,” Russell Woodward said.
Another local reports hearing similar sounds.
“I heard about 20 to 30 ‘bang’ sounds, but I didn’t look through the window so I didn’t know what happened,” Raymond Pang told CityNews.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC says it has been called in after a man was shot by Vancouver police officers. (Source: Shane MacKichan)
In an update Saturday afternoon, Const. Tania Visintin with the VPD says when officers get called for reports of gunfire it is very challenging.
“We had dozens of officers respond to this call from all parts of the city. You can imagine what type of call this would be when shots come in, this is one of the worst calls for a police officer to go to,” she said.
“Our officers, anytime they are in a situation of a threat, whether it’s grievous bodily harm to them or the public, we are justified in using our firearms. So, in this case the officers felt either them or a member of the public was in serious, serious danger.”
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has been called in to look into the circumstances around the fatal shooting. But notes that it was “more than one” police officer involved.
The IIO is asking anyone with information to call 1-855-446-8477.
With files from Emily Marsten
