Officer injured in B.C. bank shootout released from hospital 71 days later

Six members of the regional tactical team were injured in a gunfight that killed two heavily armed brothers in a botched bank robbery attempt.

The unidentified officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and underwent multiple surgeries

Karin Larsen · CBC News · Posted: Sep 07, 2022 7:38 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 8, 2022

Officers stand behind yellow tape on a street. — Saanich police block off the area in the 3600 block of Shelbourne Street where the shootout took place. (Michael McCarthur/CBC)

A Saanich, B.C., police officer who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in a shootout with two heavily armed bank robbers on June 28 was released from Victoria General Hospital Wednesday morning, 71 days after he was first admitted.

The officer's name and injuries are not being released. He is the last of the six members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) hurt in the gunfight to be released from hospital.

Members of the GVERT shot and killed brothers Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie, 22, as they tried to get away after robbing the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street in Saanich. Police said explosives were found in the brothers' car, but investigators have released few details, including a suspected motive.

Saanich police Chief Dean Duthie said all officers who suffered gunshot wounds were injured by the brothers and not hit accidentally by fellow police during the heavy exchange of bullets.

According to Duthie, the officer released from hospital Wednesday is facing considerable rehabilitation after undergoing multiple surgeries. It's not known if he will ever return to active duty.

Saanich, B.C., shootout witnesses recount lasting 'terrifying trauma' of bank robbery

Police, firefighters, paramedics, health-care workers and friends gathered at the hospital to celebrate his recovery.

"To watch our officer actually step out of the hospital with a smile on his face while being embraced by his family ... he actually took some steps outside of the door with assistance. This is a huge undertaking considering the injuries he suffered," said Duthie.

Two young men sit in front of a wall hanging, with a guitar neck visible in the background. The man on the left is wearing a blue shirt and has a black watch. The man on the right is wearing a grey shirt and has a camo hat. — Mathew, left, and Isaac Auchterlonie died in a shootout with police after robbing a Bank of Montreal in Saanich, B.C., on June 28, 2022. (Submitted by Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit)

Two other Saanich police officers were hurt in the gunfight. Duthie said one has returned to active duty while the other was released from hospital a few weeks ago.

Additional psychological counselling has been offered to Saanich PD members in the aftermath of the shooting to ensure they are fit for duty.

3 wounded police officers remain in hospital after Saanich, B.C., bank shooting

"A lot of officers want to get back to work and feel ready even though they may not be ready," said Duthie.

"They want to return, they want to be a part of the team and serve the public, but they may put that drive and commitment before realizing their own health in terms of psychological or mental health issues they've encountered."

Vancouver Island's Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) is conducting the bank robbery investigation. The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) — the civilian-led oversight body which reviews all police actions that result in death or serious harm — is also investigating.