Man and woman killed in Surrey hostage situation were shot by police: Watchdog

May 3 2019, 12:38 am

After a recent hostage situation in Surrey ended with the death of a man and woman, a report from the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC IIOBC says the pair died of injuries from gunshots fired by police.

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The situation began on March 28, when Surrey RCMP responded to a residence in the 13300 block of 98A Avenue around 9:30 pm, after a report of man with a gun and a “possible hostage situation.”

Police said officers attended and evacuated a number of individuals from nearby homes and properties. A containment area was established and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team attended to assist the investigation.

“Multiple efforts were made throughout the night and into the morning to engage the barricaded male and a female hostage within the home in order to peacefully resolve the situation,” police said.

At approximately 7:30 am the following day, members of the Emergency Response Team entered the home and a confrontation with the barricaded male ensued.

“The male sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at scene. A female victim was also located within the home with serious injuries,” said police.

First aid was immediately provided by the officers and the woman was taken to hospital by Emergency Health Services, which were staged nearby throughout the incident. Despite medical efforts, the woman was pronounced deceased at hospital.

No police officers nor any other members of the public were injured.

In its report, the IIOBC said “the workload for this case has been particularly significant, including over 40 interviews completed with witness officers and civilian witnesses, and significant forensic work.”

The investigation continues into “all aspects” of this matter, with the goal to determine “whether police actions were lawful, proportionate, and reasonable, or if any offence may have been committed,” the IIOBC said.

Anyone who witnessed this incident and has not already spoken to the IIO is asked to contact the IIO BC witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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