A man is in hospital in serious condition after being shot by a Surrey RCMP officer this week.
Just after 10 p.m., Thursday, a Mountie was called to a suspected arson near 125 Street and 110 Avenue. On arrival, the RCMP officer was approached by a man allegedly armed with a knife.
The man was ordered to drop the weapon, but police say he kept advancing toward the police officer.
The officer shot him.
The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance and is in serious condition.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has been requested to investigate the shooting (a requirement in any police involved shooting).
The IIO has deployed six officers to the investigation, but says there are more available if deemed necessary.
IIO Executive Director Kellie Kilpatrick said Friday morning officer were combing the scene for physical evidence.
She would not say whether police had found a knife, where he was struck, or whether the victim is known to police.
"The incident initiated in one part of the area and concluded at the other end if it, so that's why it's such a large area," Kilpatrick said.
As to how long the investigation might take, Kilpatrick they tend to range from three months to nine months.
"In this case we have one affected person, we have one civilian witness that's been identified, one officer," Kilpatrick said. "Given that we have a scene that's contained ... we may be able to wrap this up in a more timely manner than others."
As set by the chief civilian director, the IIO's goals are to conduct
fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations, and ensure transparency through public reporting.
Police say because of the preliminary nature of the investigation, no further details will be provided at this time.