Two in hospital after chase and shots fired Sunday evening

The BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), of a shooting incident in Merritt Sunday that resulted in two people being transported to hospital.

At around 3:50, Merritt Mounties attempted to stop a white Ford F350 which was associated with a stolen property file. The truck fled the scene.

Later Sunday night, at around 5:30, the suspect vehicle was discovered five kilometres out of Merritt along Highway 5A. Police deployed a spike belt but the truck continued driving before finally come to a stop on Highway 8 near Snake Road and Highway 97C.

During the stop, gun shots were fired.

Once the shooting subsided two individuals were located inside the suspect truck, an adult and a child believed to be under 12, both were taken to hospital. No other injuries have been reported.

The IIO will be investigating to determine if police action or inaction are linked to the two injuries.

Due to the IIO taking over the investigation the BC RCMP will not be commenting further on the incident.