Suspect and Police Service Dog killed, officer stabbed in Campbell River.
By Castlegar Source
The BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident near Campbell River that resulted in the death of a male and a RCMP Police Service Dog.
Just before 9 a.m. on July 8th, a member from the Campbell River RCMP attempted to stop a vehicle in relation to an outstanding warrant. It is reported that the vehicle failed to stopped and fled the area. Members notified dispatch and its description was provided to other police officers in the area.
A short time later the suspect vehicle was located in a parking lot in the 2000 block of the South Island Highway in Campbell River. A police officer boxed in the vehicle and then a confrontation occurred between the suspect and the police officer, who had a Police Service Dog. During the interaction a Police Service Dog was stabbed and killed, and the suspect was shot and was pronounced deceased on scene. The Police Dog Handler was also treated for a knife wound. No other persons were injured.
The IIO BC has been notified and will be investigating the actions of police. The area has been cordoned off in anticipation of their arrival.
Please note that all aspects and circumstances of this incident will be the subject of independent investigation by the IIO BC. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.
For more information about the IIO BC and media updates, you can visit its website at www.iiobc.ca
The National Police Service released the following tribute to PSD Gator:
“Police Service Dog, Gator, was killed in Campbell River, British Columbia earlier today as he was assisting in the arrest of an armed suspect. Our thoughts are also with a Member injured in the incident and we wish them a full recovery.
PSD Gator was a hero in his community. He tracked and rescued a resident lost in a snowstorm; has found missing residents, and successfully tracked down or contained innumerable suspects and criminals. He loved his job as much as he loved his favourite orange ball.
Police Service Dogs are an incredible and important asset to our Members and their communities. They bring finely honed skills that only dogs can offer. Their innate sense of smell, exceptional hearing, their speed and agility in small spaces and heavy foliage, their sheer strength— not to mention their loud bark — makes them indispensable in maintaining public safety.
Police dogs are highly trained to assist police in the search for suspects, drugs, and explosives, as well as locating missing adults and children.
Although such incidents are rare, this tragic loss follows the killing of PSD Jago by less than a month making it even more painful. Our condolences go out to Gator’s handler and partner and all those who loved and worked with him.
We encourage our community to wear red tomorrow to honour Gator, and all fallen Members and we will provide more info about that soon. Rest in peace and comfort, Gator. You were a very good boy.”
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