Fundraiser for officers injured in Saanich, B.C., shooting tops $75,000
An online fundraiser to benefit police officers injured during the shootout at a Saanich, B.C. bank earlier this week has raised more than $75,000 in less than two days.
The GoFundMe page is endorsed by the unions representing Saanich and Victoria police officers and had surpassed $78,000 as of 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The fundraiser's stated goal is $100,000.
Officers from the Victoria and Saanich police departments responded to a robbery in progress at the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street in Saanich Tuesday morning. In the ensuing standoff, six of them were shot.
As of Thursday, three of the injured officers remained hospitalized.
In an update on the case Saturday morning, the BC RCMP's Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit – which is leading the ongoing investigation – referred questions about the injured officers' health to the municipal departments.
CTV News reached out to both departments for an update Saturday.
The Victoria Police Department said in an email that three of its officers were shot during the incident and one remained in hospital as of Saturday.
"All face a long road ahead," said spokesperson Bowen Osoko in the email.
The remaining injured officers work for the Saanich Police Department. Spokesperson Const. Markus Anastasiades confirmed two of the department's officers remained in hospital Saturday, but added that Saanich police have no new information on their condition to share.
"It is nice to know everyone is asking and reaching out, showing their concern and overall empathy during this entire tragic incident," Anastasiades said in an email.
Officials from both departments have thanked the public for their support in the wake of Tuesday's incident. On Saturday, Osoko reiterated that sentiment.
"The continued support from the public is heartwarming and incredible," Osoko said. "Last night, at Victoria's Canada Day celebrations, people put on blue #GVERT (Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team) stickers by the thousands and Cst. Cam MacIntyre was invited up on stage to thank the Victoria crowd for their support."
According to the GoFundMe page, "multiple sworn and civilian members of the Saanich Police Association (SPA) and Victoria City Police Union (VCPU) have been physically and mentally injured" by the shooting, and some of the officers who were shot are "facing life-altering injuries."
"The SPA and VCPU have created a joint committee in an effort to ensure our members and their families are taken care of during this time," the fundraising page reads.
"Many expenses are expected to arise over the coming months and potentially long-term. The money raised will allow us to provide continued support to our members in a variety of ways, including but not limited to accommodation and transportation for families of those who are in hospital, psychological support, modifications to homes to allow for future transition from hospital and much more."
The two gunmen involved in the robbery were shot and killed at the scene. On Saturday, the VIIMCU identified them as 22-year-old twin brothers Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.