Saanich Police say 3 of 6 injured officers now released from hospital. Other 3 underwent surgery. 2 will require more surgery. Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit now takes over investigation. RCMP Sgt. Manseau calls it “an attempted murder investigation.” #yyj
In today's presser RCMP Sgt Manseau (VIIMCU) said the white van at the scene had been used by the suspects, then later clarified that THAT information had yet to be confirmed. (IMO, being cautious until final test results are in, OR not wanting to totally tip their hand on what info they know for a fact.) FWIW, the licence plate of that van is clearly visible in some images. It is a BC plate and I believe it is a commercial vehicle plate (mind you, probably a stolen plate). Hopefully they will find surveillance video on that Transit 250 van and be able to follow it back to a source.
The tip regarding a possible 3rd suspect had been "vague" and after assessment of whatever that info was, the decision has been made to lift the shelter in place order. (I did later hear a TV reporter refer to a small area still being under the order, but it was not addressed it the presser and I haven't found it anywhere else.)
Here's one account by a civilian, Ms Fryer, who was in the bank when the robbery started.
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca
There were 22 people in the bank at the time.
I saw another witness yesterday who also described hearing an explosion before the gunfire. I'm thinking the "explosion" was the perps blowing the safe. The combination of explosives, 2 suspects wearing what appeared to be body armour, the calm demeanour, the type of weaponry involved, I suspect there may be organized crime involvement. Could be wrong, but although it was an ultimate failure for the perps, there seemed to be quite a bit of pre-planning and organization.
