Surrey RCMP are asking the public to avoid the area around the Scott Road SkyTrain station as they search for a potentially armed suspect wanted in connection with the shooting of a Transit Police officer.
Police say the officer, part of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police force, was shot on the SkyTrain station platform around 4:20 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
The scene right now as officers secure the area around the #SurreyBC #ScottRoad skytrain station . Suspect on the loose after transit police officer shot. A spokesperson says it appears he’ll be ok pic.twitter.com/vJwQe18ovU
Suspect still at large, possibly armed
Surrey RCMP are in the midst of a major operation with the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team and the Integrated Police Dog Services unit to locate the suspect, who, police say, remains at large and may be armed.
Because of the search, police took measures to secure a nearby school where 25 people, including 15 students, 10 teachers and parents, were attending an after-school program when the shooting occurred, said Doug Strachan with the Surrey School District.
The protocol at Bridgeview Elementary School meant everyone was required to stay inside the school and lock the doors, but activities carried on.
A few police officers were inside the school. People will be permitted to leave when the RCMP gives the go-ahead.
TransLink says the station has been closed and a bus bridge put in place.
Surrey RCMP are expected to provide an update about the situation at 8 p.m.
Officer expected to recover
Sgt. Clint Hamilton, a spokesperson for Transit Police, said the officer who was shot was taken to hospital and is expected to recover.
He says he knows the officer well and described the event as “shocking.”
Police detachments across the country expressed their condolences on Twitter.
Our thoughts @VancouverPD are with the shot #TransitPolice Officer, his family & our #MVTP police brothers & sisters – #VPD is in contact with @TransitPolice & has offered assistance with whatever they need @ChiefKross https://t.co/k1l3rPGyNT
Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the Vancouver @TransitPolice officer who was shot while on duty this afternoon.
Our thoughts are with the Transit Police Officer shot this evening in Surrey BC. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. @TransitPolice https://t.co/mJtF8m70V5
from Update Trend News http://bit.ly/2CS9TJA
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