Man dies after being shot by police at BC Hospital
HOPE, BC — The British Columbia police watchdog is investigating the death of a man shot Wednesday by an RCMP officer in southern British Columbia.
Mounties say an “interaction” between the man and officers took place at Fraser Canyon Hospital in Hope, BC, which caused one officer to fire his firearm.
In a statement, the police say that the man received immediate medical attention, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say they were initially called to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 5 near the Zopkios exit, where several people were identified with non-life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital.
RCMP says an altercation reportedly occurred between two of the injured, leading BC Emergency Health Services personnel to request police assistance, prompting officers to rush to the hospital.
Fraser Canyon Hospital’s emergency department is temporarily closed while BC’s Independent Investigations Office investigates.
In a statement, the Fraser Health Authority says all patients, staff and medical staff are physically safe and unharmed, but the ward will remain closed until the investigation is complete.
The health authority says ambulance services are still available in Hope and surrounding communities and people who need help can call 911 or go to Chilliwack General Hospital.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 28, 2023.
