RCMP shooting in Prince George leaves man with life-threatening injuries

A man is in hospital with life threatening injuries after an RCMPshooting in downtown Prince George, B.C.,Mondaymorning, according to a written statement from B.C.'s police watchdog, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO).

The IIO has been called in to investigate the police-involved shooting.

In an interview Monday afternoon,IIO Chief Civilian Director Ronald Macdonald told CBC News that investigators were en route to Prince George.

"You need to get there doing a forensic examination of the scene, forensic examination of the firearm, as well as, of course, talking to witnesses and looking for video and piecing all the information together," Macdonald said. "At this point, our information is that there was one officer involved with one individual."

The IIO saidpolice conducted a traffic stop behind a downtown motel Monday around 7 a.m. PT.

"An interaction occurred during the stop, and shots were fired by police," the statement read.

Investigation continues

Prince George RCMP Cpl. Sonja Blom said thatthere was a physical altercation between a male suspect and a frontline officer, who then "discharged his firearm."

Officers provided first aid, before paramedics rushed the manto hospital with serious injuries, said the RCMP.

Prince George RCMP saidofficers are still on the scene "investigating the offence of assaulting a police officer with a weapon" and the circumstances of the initial traffic stop.

A subsequent written release from B.C.RCMPCommunications stated only that local officers "continue to investigate the initial incident."

Four hours after the altercation, RCMP officers and numerous police cruisers were visible behind the North StarInn and Suites, formerly known as the Connaught Motor Inn.

A white sedan with an open door was also visible behind police tape.

Some motel guests told CBC News they had been told to leave their rooms, including a man whose truck parked in the motel lot was inaccessible behind police lines.