Police watchdog called in after two people found dead, third shot in B.C. First Nation

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO BC) and the RCMP are investigating after two people were found dead and a third was injured early Wednesday morning, Mounties say.

The RCMP was called to a home in Tsay Keh Dene — a remote First Nation about 500 kilometres north of Prince George — around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

When officers arrived, they reportedly found a man with a gun, who ran into a second home nearby.

Police then set up containment and called in a critical incident team that included a crisis negotiator.

“Following several hours of negotiations, the North District Emergency Response Team and supporting elements deployed and arrived at approximately 5:40 a.m.,” the BC RCMP said.

“Negotiations deteriorated resulting in ERT deploying a chemical irritant into the residence.”

Police say the man exited the home with a gun, and officers then “discharged an extended range impact munition and their firearms striking him,” Mounties said.

Extended range impact weapons are “less lethal” weapons that fire sponge- or silicon-tipped rounds, according to the RCMP’s main website.

The man was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Mounties say two people were found dead in the home they were initially called out to.

BC RCMP North District Major Crime is now investigating, and the IIO is looking into police actions in the incident.