B.C.’s police watchdog has been deployed to Burnaby amid unconfirmed reports of an officer stabbed to death and a man shot.
Dozens of emergency responders descended on Broadview Park, on Canada Way between Boundary Road and Willingdon Avenue at about 11:15 a.m.
Reports on social media have said an officer was stabbed and a man shot during an interaction at the park.
Today’s event that unfolded in Burnaby is awful and tragic, the worst news any one wants to happen.
— Mike Farnworth (@mikefarnworthbc) October 18, 2022
Our hearts go out to the Burnaby RCMP officers, family, friends and fellow police officers.
Every day our police officers respond to serve every day, no matter how demanding or
Burnaby RCMP has not released any information about the incident but said in a tweet that "there does not appear to be any ongoing risk to the public."
"More information will be released when available," stated the tweet.
Photos of the scene showed police tape around Broadview Park, and multiple police units on scene.
Multiple ambulances were also on scene, but B.C. Emergency Health Services declined to provide information about the call, directing questions to police.
The Independent Investigations Office has confirmed is has been called to an incident in Burnaby but would not provide further information, saying it would put out more information in a news release.
On Twitter, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth extended his condolences to all affected by the tragedy, including “Burnaby RCMP officers, family, friends and fellow police officers.”
“Every day our police officers respond to serve every day, no matter how demanding or dangerous it maybe,” he said.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, a former first responder, said he was "devastated" by the news.
"Our thoughts are with her family, friends, fellow RCMP members and civilian staff during this terrible time," Hurley said in an Instagram post.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
Email cnaylor@burnabynow.com
