British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after an RCMP officer shot and seriously injured a man during the execution of a search warrant in Salmo.
RCMP said members of the Southeast District Emergency Response Team went to a property on Ski Hill Road at about 10:11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, to assist Creston RCMP with the execution of a search warrant.
Police said officers encountered a man on the property who fled into a travel trailer after being told he was under arrest.
RCMP said officers used several de-escalation measures in an attempt to persuade the man to leave the trailer, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Police said an officer later saw the man at the entrance of the trailer appearing to hold a weapon. The officer then fired their gun.
The man retreated into the trailer before leaving nearly an hour later and being taken into custody without further incident, according to RCMP.
Police said officers provided immediate medical care before the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. No other physical injuries were reported.
The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia has taken over the investigation into the actions of police. RCMP said the surrounding area was secured to support the investigation.
Police said they would not release further information while the IIO investigation is underway.
