The investigation into a man who allegedly injured two people in a violent incident in Vancouver’s downtown Wednesday will be “limited,” according to police.
Police have not released the identities of the victims who were attacked inside a 7-Eleven, nor the identity of the suspect who was shot and killed by officers.
Since the suspect is dead, no charges will be laid, and no criminal proceeding will take place, according to Vancouver police, who, for privacy reasons, don’t name people unless they’re charged with a crime.
“Our investigation into the initial offence will be limited,” said Vancouver police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison in an interview with CBC News.
“However, our Major Crime Section is still involved in collecting evidence related to that initial 911 call and the reasons why police were called to deal with the imminent public safety threat.”
Vancouver police officers aim weapons over the counter of a 7-Eleven in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Mainul Islam)
The attacks
Police said just after 11:30 a.m. PT Wednesday, they responded to a call from staff at a restaurant near Robson and Hamilton streets. The caller reported a man had stolen alcohol and was armed with a knife inside the restaurant.
The man then entered the 7-Eleven and tried to steal cigarettes from behind the counter. One witness said staff attempted to stop the man, who then pulled out a large knife.
One person was stabbed in the hand, while another suffered facial injuries, according to police.
Officers confronted the suspect over the 7-Eleven counter. In videos reviewed by CBC News, police appear to fire nine shots.
Police said the victims are expected to survive.
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2 investigations
There are two investigations happening around this incident: a Vancouver police probe into the suspect’s alleged attacks on two people and an investigation into the officers’ actions by B.C.’s police watchdog.
“Initial investigative steps will seek to confirm what happened leading up to and during the incident and what role, if any, police actions or inaction may have played in the man’s death,” the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) said in a statement.
Addison said the police force trusts the IIO’s work will shed more light on what happened Wednesday.
“We need to respect that process, give them their jurisdiction to do their important work,” Addison said.