The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it was forced to shoot a suspect after a violent home invasion Monday evening.
Officers were called to the residence, located in the area of Commercial Street and East 20th Avenue, around 9 p.m.
“Police arrived on scene to find a violent incident underway with the suspect having gained entry to a residence and holding a man hostage,” the VPD said.
“Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation but were ultimately forced to shoot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Police say the hostage was injured and taken to hospital, but has since been released.
No VPD officers were injured, and the motive for the shooting is unknown.
1130 NewsRadio has spoken to a couple of people near the scene at the time of the incident. They say several shots rang out, with at least one stray bullet shattering the glass door of a neighbouring unit.
The owner of that unit says she wasn’t able to sleep all night.
Another neighbour says the suspect tried to get into another unit through the back in the alley before moving on. They said it was that initial neighbour who called 911.
None of the suspects’ accounts have been confirmed by police.
A photo taken near the scene shows a neighbouring unit that appears to have been damaged. Officials have not confirmed the circumstances around the damage at this nearby unit.
The Independent Investigations Office, B.C.’s police watchdog, confirms it has been called in to investigate.
— With files from Sonia Aslam
More to come.