Manhunt in Surrey after transit officer shot at SkyTrain station

Police in Surrey, B.C., were continuing the hunt Thursday morning for a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting of a transit officer.

RCMP say the injured officer, identified as Josh Harms, 27, was on regular patrol duty Wednesday when a suspect shot him on the platform of the Scott Road SkyTrain station around 4:20 p.m. PT.

Harms was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Police are using dogs to search for the suspect, who may be armed. At least 80 officers are involved in the search.

'Stay inside … lock your doors'

They have zeroed in on two areas in Surrey, which they have cordoned off; one from from King George Boulevard to 114th Avenue, and another from 125a Street to 124 Street. 

Police are asking people to avoid these areas, stay indoors and leave on a light on their front porch.

"We are asking you to stay inside and to lock your doors," said Surrey RCMP assistant commissioner Dwayne McDonald.

The suspect is described as a male in his 20s, with dark skin, a dark stubble goatee and a mustache. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt jacket and white Nike running shoes with a black swoosh. 

Footage of suspect in transit officer shooting released

6 years ago

Duration 0:14

Surrey RCMP released this surveillance footage of the man suspected of shooting a transit officer on Jan. 30.

Police say they are canvassing video taken at the scene of the shooting, and interviewing multiple witnesses.

They're also warning members of the public that if they spot the suspect, he should not be approached and they should call 911.

Schools, residences on lockdown

Because of the search, police took measures to secure nearby residences and a 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 put into place at Bridgeview Elementary School meant everyone was required to stay inside the school and lock the doors, but activities carried on.

Police gave the all-clear at 8:30 p.m. PT and people were permitted to leave.

Scott Road SkyTrain station re-opened later Wednesday evening. 

Transit Police officer shot in Scott Road SkyTrain station

6 years ago

Duration 0:53

The officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Sgt. Clint Hampton, a spokesperson for Transit Police, said Harms is expected to recover.

Hampton says he knows Harms well and described the event as "shocking." 

McDonald said he checked in with Harms earlier Wednesday evening. 

"He was in good spirits," McDonald said. Harms has been with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police force for three years.

Meanwhile, police detachments across the country expressed their support for the officer on Twitter.