Man shot by Vancouver police in Downtown Eastside, IIO investigating

A Vancouver police officerand a suspect involved in a violent confrontationSaturday morning were both sent to hospital following an alleged attack on the officer, who waspatrolling the Downtown Eastside.

Around 8 a.m., an officer shot a man who allegedly attacked him with a weapon while he sat insidea patrol car,according to a statement from the force Saturday afternoon.

The officer sustained a serious head injury and was taken to hospital, police say.

A 52-year-old suspect hasbeen charged with one count of aggravated assault, police said Sunday. He remains in hospital with injuries.

Police said a second VPD member was later attacked by a bystanderwhile assisting at the scene of the shooting, but was not seriously wounded.The suspect in that incident was also arrested.

The VPD's Major Crime Section and theIndependent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. are investigating. The IIOis the oversight body that reviews all police actions resulting in death or serious harm.

The confrontation occurred at the intersection of Columbia and East Hastings streets, in the city's Downtown Eastside.

The IIOsaid in a statement Saturday afternoon thatpolice officers had seen a man waving a weapon as they drove through the neighbourhood before the confrontation. They are asking anyone with relevant information to contact them.