British Columbia's police oversight agency has concluded that two Vancouver police officers acted lawfully and had no alternative but to use deadly force during a violent confrontation in east Vancouver last summer, which resulted in the death of a man armed with a large knife.
A Terrifying Confrontation in an Apartment Hallway
The incident unfolded on August 19, 2025, after police were called to an apartment building near Rupert Street and Vanness Avenue in east Vancouver. The initial 911 call reported a confrontation between neighbours, with one resident stating a male neighbour had come to her door and struck her in the head.
According to the report released Monday by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO), another witness on the same floor saw the man return to his own apartment and then reappear holding a large knife. The man then knocked on the woman's door again and positioned himself to the side, hiding from view.
When the woman returned to the door with her dog, the armed man moved toward her. At that precise moment, two Vancouver police officers arrived down the hallway.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Rapid Escalation
In her report, IIO chief civilian director Jessica Berglund detailed the scene captured on the officers' body-worn cameras. The footage showed the officers encountering the man in the hall with their firearms still holstered. The man then ran into his apartment.
He quickly re-emerged, now armed with a large knife, and advanced toward the first officer. That officer attempted to defend himself with one hand while reaching for his holster with the other. The assailant then turned his attention to the second officer.
The first officer discharged his weapon several times and moved into the woman's open doorway for cover. The armed man pursued him into the suite, prompting the second officer to also open fire. In total, the two officers fired 10 shots. The man fell to the floor just inside the woman's apartment doorway.
Despite approximately 20 minutes of life-saving efforts by first responders at the scene, the man did not survive his injuries.
Watchdog Finds Force Justified
Director Berglund's analysis was unequivocal. She stated the officers were acting in the lawful execution of their duty and were given "virtually no opportunity to take any action other than the rapid deployment of lethal force."
The report found that one officer "was faced with a violent attack at extremely close quarters by an individual wielding a deadly weapon and was justified in defending himself from imminent death or grievous bodily harm." The other officer was "equally justified in using deadly force to defend his partner."
Berglund commended the officers' conduct, noting that "given the startling circumstances, it should be noted that both officers displayed quick reactions and a commendable level of professionalism in protecting themselves and (the woman) from any injury that might otherwise have been caused."
The IIO's investigation, which included witness statements and a review of all available evidence, has now concluded with the determination that the officers' use of force was necessary and appropriate.
