OFFICER RECOVERS AFTER SHOOTING IN DRUG RAID

Bulletproof vest stops shot; officer who shot him get counselling for trauma

A New Westminster police officer suffered non-life-threatening
injuries Thursday after being shot in the mid-section during the
execution of a drug arrest warrant at 727 Fourth Ave.

The officer, who was hit by a round fired by another New Westminster
police officer, is in stable condition at Royal Columbian Hospital.

"As of this morning, he's doing well," Staff Sgt. Casey Dehaas told
The Record Friday afternoon.

"He's got some massive bruising, but that's to be expected because of
the huge impact he received. _ Even though he was wearing a
bulletproof vest, it's like somebody hitting you in the chest with a
baseball bat."

Dehaas added that the officer's family is waiting by his bedside at
the hospital, and many people have already sent their wishes to the
officer on a speedy recovery. Dehaas said that the officer who
discharged the round is also receiving counselling.

"He's understandably quite traumatized," said Dehaas. "He's being
looked after right now."

The incident happened at about 3:30 p.m. as the police service's
operational support unit, with assistance from the municipal
integrated emergency response team, executed the drug warrant at the
Fourth Avenue address.

According to Dehaas, one shot was fired, hitting the officer in the
mid-section.

Seven people were taken into custody Thursday and released Friday as
investigators figure out what charges might be laid in relation to
the drug warrant.

Dehaas said a separate investigation, to be conducted by the
integrated homicide investigation team, will look into the
circumstances behind the shooting.

According to Cpl. Dale Carr, the investigation team looks into
incidents where police shootings are involved.

Dehaas concurred.

"IHIT will be doing their investigation into how the round was
discharged and what happened leading to that. _ Since the drug search
was initiated by New Westminster (police), we will be looking into
(possible) drug charges, while IHIT will only be investigating the shooting."