B.C. Watchdog Probes Police Shooting in Fort St. John

Authorities in Fort St. John are investigating a serious incident in which a man was critically injured during a police interaction early Sunday morning. The case is now under review by the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO), which handles incidents involving police that result in serious harm or death.

According to officials, the incident took place at around 3:15 a.m. when officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stopped a black pickup truck near 86 Street and 97 Avenue. Two individuals were inside the vehicle at the time of the stop. Police later confirmed that the vehicle had been pulled over because one of the occupants was believed to have outstanding arrest warrants.

During the interaction that followed, the situation escalated. Investigators say a weapon was reportedly involved, and one of the individuals exited the vehicle. At some point during the encounter, an officer discharged a firearm, striking a man who had been in the passenger seat. The injured man was immediately transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police confirmed that no officers were physically harmed during the incident. However, due to the seriousness of the injuries and the use of force, the matter was referred to the IIO, which has now begun gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The watchdog agency is responsible for conducting independent investigations into police-related incidents across British Columbia. Its role is to determine what exactly happened and whether the actions of the officers involved were justified under the law.

At this stage, officials have not released further details about the individuals involved or the exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Authorities have stated that no additional information will be shared while the investigation is ongoing.