2 suspects dead, 6 police officers wounded in exchange of gunfire at Saanich, B.C., bank
CBC
Police say two suspects are dead, and six members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team are in the hospital following an exchange of gunfire at a bank in Saanich, B.C., on Tuesday.
Officers were called when two armed men believed to be wearing body armour entered a bank on Shelbourne Street at approximately 11 a.m Tuesday.
In a media briefing Tuesday afternoon, Saanich police Chief Dean Duthie said the shooting started when the suspects left the bank, creating a situation that was very dangerous for the public.
"I don't know who fired first at this point. But there were multiple gunshots that were fired. And where we're at, I don't know."
WATCH | Police exchange gunfire with suspects outside Saanich bank
Six officers were shot and taken to the hospital. Three of them are members of the Saanich Police Department, and three are members of the Victoria Police Department.
Police said three officers are expected to be released after treatment, while three have sustained serious injuries and are in surgery.
"We are going to stay strong through this. We are going to care for our members, care for their families ... and we are going to move forward," said Duthie.
No bank employees, customers or members of the public are believed to have been injured.
Duthie said he had never seen a situation like it in his 27 years with the Saanich Police Department.
"From what I know about that chaotic, tragic, dynamic, violent scene, the fact that no citizens were injured in any way is truly amazing."
The Bank of Montreal told CBC in an emailed statement it is deeply saddened by the incident and thanked emergency responders for their quick response.
"Our thoughts are with every person impacted by today's events."
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