Suspect shot dead by Vancouver police during hostage incident at East Vancouver home

A man who allegedly forced his way into a home and took a person hostage was shot and killed by Vancouver police Monday night, according to authorities.

Vancouver Police Department said officers responded to reports of a violent home invasion in the 3600-block of Commercial Street at approximately 9 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a suspect inside the residence who had allegedly entered the home by force and was holding another person hostage.

Police said an officer attempted to de-escalate the situation and resolve the incident peacefully. However, the officer ultimately discharged a firearm during the confrontation. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The hostage suffered injuries during the incident and was transported to hospital for treatment. Police said the individual was later released from hospital.

Because the incident involved a police shooting, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO) has assumed conduct of the investigation. The agency is responsible for independently reviewing police actions in cases involving serious harm or death.