Rumours put to rest, the shootout of Sixth Avenue makes the Front page

It was the talk of the town for the weekend, with as many variations of the story as there were hours in a day. With a weekend of wild rumours behind us, the Daily News provided the official version of Friday’s police shooting at a Prince Rupert convenience store.

WOMAN RECOVERING AFTER BEING SHOT DURING STRUGGLE
Allegedly high on drugs, police say she lunged at RCMP officer with scissors
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Monday, October 2, 2006
Pages One and Three

A Friday afternoon struggle between a Prince Rupert RCMP officer and a woman allegedly under the influence of drugs ended with one person shot.

At approximately 1 p. m., RCMP were called to a disturbance at a convenience store in the 600 block of Sixth Avenue West.

According to police, a “distraught” woman inside the store was claiming that people were out to kill her.

“Upon arrival, the officer attempted to calm the woman, who appeared to be under the influence of a drug,” said Const. Steve Richards.

“Repeating over and over again that people were out to kill her, the woman grabbed a pair of scissors from the store. Fearing that she might harm herself or others, the officer attempted to disarm her and a physical struggle ensued.

“In an unsuccessful attempt to secure the scissors, the officer received a laceration to his hand. The woman then attacked the officer with the scissors and the member discharged his firearm.”

A 23 year old female from Las Vegas, Nevada, was taken to hospital and treated for a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

She was reported as being in stable condition and remained in hospital as of Monday morning.

Police have not said if charges will be laid against her.

“The big part we’re concerned with right now is the shooting end of it,” said Richards. “There was very good indication at the scene and a friend that was with her did confirm (she was on drugs), but as to medical blood work, we don’t have that confirmed from any doctor yet.”

The senior officer involved is an 18 year veteran. As is normal in such situations, he has temporarily been taken off active duty. He also has been treated for his injuries and is expected to return to work.

“Obviously, he’s quite shaken but physically he’s okay, the injuries were fairly minor,” Richard said. “It’s been a pretty traumatic event for everyone.”

The matter is currently being investigated by the Prince Rupert GIS and the “E” Division Major Crimes Unit. Among the issues police will look at is whether the shooting was justifiable.

The probe is being led by an inspector from Vancouver Police Department.

“There were quite a few witnesses in the store…we’re just looking for the last couple of people that left without giving a statement,” said Richards.

The names of the officer and the individual involved have not been released at this time