Takedown suspect identified

Photo: Contributed

UPDATE: 5:40 p.m.

RCMP have confirmed the identity of the man involved in a dramatic police takedown outside Orchard Park Mall this week.

Shots were fired in the arrest of John Michael Aronson of Kelowna, who has a lengthy criminal record and has been involved in previous high-risk police takedowns and assaults.

The Kelowna RCMP Street Enforcement Unit and Southeast District Emergency Response Team apprehended Aronson on Wednesday, following a road rage incident Tuesday morning that is alleged to have involved an assault with pepper spray.

On Wednesday, he was taken into custody outside the Orchard Park CIBC branch.

Aronson, 30, has been charged with seven counts, including assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police and driving while disqualified.

He has been remanded in custody, awaiting his first court appearance.

Meanwhile, RCMP are asking anyone with information, photos, or video of the incidents leading up to Aronson's arrest to come forward. 

ORIGINAL: 5 p.m.

The Independent Investigations Office of BC has sent nine investigators to Kelowna to look into a police-involved shooting incident Wednesday outside Orchard Park Mall.

It's unclear how long the investigation will take, the IIO said Friday.

Meanwhile, the IIO is looking to speak with witnesses of the dramatic police takedown.

Police shot and wounded a suspect during the incident, played out in broad daylight, in front of the Orchard Park CIBC branch about 3 p.m.

The suspect was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"Although the IIO has some civilian witnesses, anybody who saw, heard or may have footage of the incident is asked to contact the IIO witness line even if they have already spoken to police," the IIO tweeted Friday.

The IIO witness line is 1-855-446-8477.