UPDATE: Police are suspending search efforts after a four-hour manhunt for the remaining suspect and are allowing displaced residents to return to their homes. A police presence will remain in the area for the duration of the evening
At around noon on Friday, West Shore RCMP officers attempted to stop a vehicle on Finlayson Arm Road near Falcon Heights in Langford in relation to a stolen vehicle investigation. The vehicle fled and crashed a short distance away. One suspect was arrested without incident at the crash site, while the alleged driver fled on foot.
A manhunt is still underway for this male suspect.
The situation is still evolving with a significant police response with multiple local and regional RCMP units assisting including a RCMP helicopter, RCMP police dog units, the RCMP emergency response team and a number of uniformed officers.
Preliminary RCMP reports suggest the remaining suspect attempted to hit officers with the vehicle he was driving before it crashed. Details of interactions between police and the suspects at the scene are still being confirmed at this time. But it is believed an officer discharged their firearm.
A firearm, believed to be stolen, was also seized as part of the investigation.
There are no known injuries to anyone involved in this incident.
Officers with the West Shore RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit are conducting an investigation into a vehicle stolen from the Sooke area earlier on Friday that is believed to be connected with this incident.
Police are asking anyone in the area of Finlayson Arm Road and Falcon Heights to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately. The public can expect a heightened police presence in the area over the next several hours.
The outstanding suspect is described as a caucasian male in his late 20’s to early 30’s, standing at about 5-8 with a thin build wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them immediately by calling 9-1-1.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
Previous version:
RCMP searching for two suspects
Multiple West Shore RCMP units, including police dogs, are in the Finlayson Arm Road area near the Trans Canada Highway searching for two suspects possibly wearing dark hoodies.
They are asking any residents on Finlayson Arm Road to report any suspicious males wearing dark hoodies to police and are warning the public not to approach them.
Police are asking for the public’s help in avoiding the area.
More details to come as they are released.
UPDATE: One suspect now in custody. RCMP have brought in a helicopter to search the area for the remaining suspect.
Police are reminding the public to refrain from posting any images of the search online. It is for the safety of the officers involved.
