B.C.’s civilian police watchdog is investigating the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s shooting in Langford to determine whether West Shore RCMP’s actions led to the injuries suffered by the man they arrested.
The Independent Investigations Office, which probes police-involved injuries or deaths, was notified that the man taken into police custody was seriously injured.
The shooting occurred outside Happy Valley Market about 11 a.m.
Shortly after, an officer spotted two vehicles speeding on Sooke Road.
After the vehicles passed the officer, one of the vehicles, slammed into a semi-truck at an unrelated crash at Kelly Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway; police were already on scene with emergency lights activated.
Justin Lemmen, 27, was arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm in a motor vehicle, two counts of failing to comply with the conditions set out in his undertaking and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
After he was taken into custody, he was transported to hospital with serious injuries, according to the IIO.
“The IIO has commenced an investigation into the incident to determine what role, if any, the officers’ actions or inaction may have played in the injuries suffered by the male,” the civilian agency said.
West Shore RCMP said its investigation into the shooting is ongoing. It is still looking for the driver of a brown Cadillac, which had a bullet hole in the rear driver’s side window. The driver, a white man in his 30s, was last seen near the Royal Colwood golf course.
