One man was shot dead late Wednesday evening, following a police chase in South Surrey.
Surrey RCMP say a uniformed officer conducting a "vehicle stop" of a white Chrysler 300 in the 15400-block of 16 Avenue just after 11 p.m. noticed that the car's driver had a firearm. The officer called for backup.
According to police, the driver fled in the vehicle and a short chase ensued. The Chrysler was spotted shortly after at King George Boulevard and Highway 10, and police deployed a spike belt.
"A minor collision occurred between this marked police unit and the fleeing suspect vehicle," according to a police news release.
"Upon this collision, the occupant of the fleeing vehicle became engaged in a lethal confrontation with our uniformed member with what is believed to be an assault rifle.
"Multiple gunshots occurred which led to the suspect in this matter to be killed and pronounced dead at scene."
No police officers or bystanders were injured.
The driver – who police said had what appeared to be an assault rifle and a handgun "within arm's reach" – has not been identified.
Significant portions of both King George Boulevard and Highway 10 remain closed as a result of the incident. The closures – to westbound Highway 10 traffic at 144 Street, and on King George between Highway 10 and 60 Avenue – are expected to last into Thursday afternoon.
Saanich Police are conducting an independent investigation.
More to come…