Man critically injured in police-involved shooting during traffic stop in Fort St. John

A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries following a police-involved shooting during a traffic stop early Sunday in Fort St. John, according to British Columbia’s police watchdog and the RCMP.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said in a statement that the incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. near 86 Street and 97 Avenue. RCMP officers had stopped a pickup truck after determining one of the two occupants was believed to have outstanding warrants.

According to RCMP, one exited the vehicle carrying a weapon, prompting an officer to discharge a firearm. The man, identified by the watchdog as a passenger in the truck, was transported to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. The officer was not injured.

The Independent Investigations Office has taken over the case, as required when there is a serious injury or death involving police in the province. The agency is responsible for determining whether police actions were necessary, appropriate, and within the law.

No further details about the man, the nature of the weapon, or the circumstances leading up to the shooting have been released. Connect Newsroom contacted the RCMP and the Independent Investigations Office for additional information. No response by publication time.