For immediate release

Statement from the District of Saanich regarding the police incident on Shelbourne Street

Saanich, BC - The District of Saanich thanks the public, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) and the Saanich and Victoria Police Departments for their bravery and quick action taken to protect the public during Tuesday’s unprecedented events.

During this challenging time, our hearts go out to the officers who have sustained significant and serious injuries, their families and all who this tragic incident has impacted.

We are grateful to GVERT and the Saanich and Victoria Police Departments for demonstrating incredible bravery in a high-risk situation. The quick action and decisiveness of the integrated police and emergency response teams is a testament to the culture, leadership and exceptional service standards that have been built over time. That no members of the public were injured is remarkable.

Thank you to the bank employees and customers, businesses and residents who were evacuated, E-comm 911 dispatchers and call takers, Ambulance Services, Saanich Fire Department, RCMP, the BC Government, Island Health care workers and medical professionals taking care of the injured officers, media partners covering the story and the community at large. Thank you to everyone involved in this unprecedented event for your diligent, calm and careful actions.

The outpouring of support for the Saanich and Victoria Police Departments and our injured officers has meant a lot. Your kind words go a long way in difficult times like these. Our police officers and their families are receiving the best care possible, and together, we will stay strong through this and move forward. Please reach out and seek the support you need as we navigate the coming days and months as a community.

If you have tips related to this investigation, please submit them to the VIIMCU information line at 250-380-6211.

Anyone with digital evidence related to this incident, in the form of video or photographs, is asked to upload the information.