Vancouver police shoot, kill alleged hostage

Vancouver police shoot, kill alleged hostage-taker in home invasion: VPD

Police say suspect broke into house on Commercial Street and held a man hostage

Vancouver police say they were "ultimately forced" to shoot and kill a suspect in an alleged home invasion turned hostage-taking Monday evening.

In a news release, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said officers responded to reports of a home invasion in the 3600 block of Commercial Street around 9 p.m. PT.

"Police arrived on scene to find a violent incident underway with the suspect having gained entry to a residence and holding a man hostage," said the release.

"Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation but were ultimately forced to shoot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene."

The man who was taken hostage was injured and taken to hospital, but has since been released, according to the VPD release.

"No officers were injured in the incident," said the VPD.

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO), B.C.'s civilian-led police watchdog, is investigating the case.

The IIO is responsible for investigating cases of death or serious harm where police are involved, to determine if their actions or inactions played a role.