The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is investigating a police shooting during a chase involving a tracked skid-steer loader on a residential street in Duncan on Tuesday night.
The man driving the loader was shot by police who attempted to stop him and is in hospital with “serious injuries,” according to a statement by the RCMP Wednesday afternoon.
Video posted on social media shows at least four RCMP vehicles trying to stop the loader, which weaves around parked cars and goes up on sidewalks.
Blaring sirens and gunshots can be heard as people pulled out their phones to film the incident about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses said the chase took place along Somenos Road, near Evans Park.
The RCMP said in a statement that North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP received a report of a man who appeared impaired driving a track loader skid-steer down a residential street.
Officers attempted to get the driver to stop, but there were collisions between the loader and police vehicles, RCMP said.
“During the interaction that followed, one officer discharged their weapon striking the driver,” said the statement “Emergency Health Services were called and the man was transported to hospital with serious injuries.”
RCMP said it would make no further statements as the matter is now under investigation by the IIO.
The watchdog investigates all police-involved shootings and incidents of serious harm.
More to come
So this happened! Wtf! 😳Vancouver Island tonight! About an hour ago in Duncan BC!!!! 🤣🤣😅💀🤣 pic.twitter.com/7MPuf0pc81
— Mal .C. (@Malswrld) March 29, 2023
