Man shot by RCMP officer

Photo: Alanna Kelly

An RCMP vehicle near Ellison Lake Thursday afternoon.

UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.

A man at a homeless camp was shot by a police officer Thursday afternoon, after police say he approached the officer with a knife.

At 12:30 p.m., the officer went with a bylaw officer to a homeless camp north of Ellison Lake, after they had received a complaint.

“The officers engaged a male camper, who is alleged to have produced a knife, and approached the officers. Efforts were made to de-escalate the situation,” Cpl. Janelle Shoihet, media relations officer with the RCMP E Division said in a press release. “Ultimately the Kelowna RCMP officer was unable to resolve the situation and is alleged to have discharged their firearm, striking the male.”

The man who was shot was arrested and taken to hospital with “serious injuries.”

The Independent Investigations Office of BC are heading to the scene to investigate the police-involved shooting. 

The IIO is a civilian oversight agency tasked with reviewing incidents involving officers that result in serious harm or death.

A large police presence was in the area throughout the afternoon. 

ORIGINAL: 4:15 P.M.

RCMP have yet to comment on a large police presence in the Bulman Road area near Kelowna International Airport.

Numerous RCMP and vehicles are stationed in the area, including the large Emergency Response vehicle.

Airport officials say the police incident is not on airport property and has nothing to do with operations at YLW.

More information when it becomes available.

Castanet has a reporter heading to the scene.