One dead following officer-involved shooting in Qualicum Beach

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WATCH: Investigators from B.C.’s police watchdog agency are on Vancouver Island trying to find out why a man died on the side of the Inland Island Highway Thursday morning. Kendall Hanson has more.

B.C.?s independent police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot by police early Thursday morning in Qualicum Beach.

According to police, at 6:03 a.m., Oceanside RCMP were called to help Emergency Health Services (EHS) who were following up on a complaint of a man who had stabbed himself inside a vehicle on Highway 19 near Horne Lake Road. EHS said they would wait for police to arrive and remain in the area.

The officers who were going to the man’s vehicle were told through further calls to 911 that the man was running down the highway and someone was trying to restrain him.

According to an Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC release, RCMP told them that there was a struggle between the man and officers and he was “subsequently shot by police.”

Paramedics immediately provided medical assistance. The man, who was 35-years-old, has succumbed to his injuries. Two police officers received minor injuries during the struggle and were taken to a hospital.

On Thursday morning, a white tent was set up near one of the northbound lanes and the area was surrounded by police tape.

Police said since IIO is investigating, no further information will be released by police at this time. IIO was notified per protocols. The man’s name has not been released.

IIO said their investigators will be gathering evidence from the scene. They will also interview witnesses and police officers. Investigators will determine if there is a connection between the death of a man and the actions of the police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call IIO BC at 1-855-446-8477.

Police have set up a white tent on Highway 19 southwest of Qualicum Bay.

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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