A man who pepper-sprayed and assaulted an Abbotsford cop was shot by the officer during an incident at the local Cabela’s store on Friday afternoon, police say.

Both the suspect and the officer were taken to hospital.

Police say the incident began at about 3:20 p.m. with a report of a theft in progress at Cabela’s at 1818 McCallum Rd.

Two suspects who were leaving the store were confronted by the responding officer. One suspect ran away, but the other pepper-sprayed the officer and then ran away.

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Police say the man returned moments later and again pepper-sprayed the officer and then physically assaulted them.

“At this point, the officer discharged their fiream, striking the suspect,” police said in a press release.

BC Emergency Health Services said one person was taken to hospital in an ambulance while another, who was in critical condition, was airlifted.

Police say the second suspect is also in custody.

The incident shut down the McCallum Junction shopping complex and part of Marshall Road. Residents in the area reported hearing several loud bangs.

Police are asking residents to avoid the area as their investigation continues.

The matter is under review by the Independent Investigations Office, which looks into incidents of death or serious harm that may have been the result of the actions of a police officer.

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Abbotsford News