3:40pm – Friday, June 17th, 2016

It’s been a tense day in Langford, Highlands and View Royal with residents asked to stay in their houses with locked doors in an area of the Highlands (Lost Lake Road).

The public was also asked to vacate the area around Thetis Lake Park to leave police and K-9 dogs to search the area for the two men in dark clothing that may have been armed — one possibly without shoes. Police confirmed that the men are wanted in connection with the double-shooting in Sooke earlier this week.

UPDATE: Westshore RCMP tweeted at 3:40pm that they were calling off the search for suspects in the Highlands area, but still actively searching for suspects.

And just to be clear, we don’t mean that we are giving up on locating these suspects… #aroundtheclock #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

Media release from BC RCMP:

Search underway for possible armed suspects

West Shore

Fri Jun 17 13:18:00 PDT 2016

File # 2016-8502

West Shore RCMP is currently searching for two male suspects wearing dark clothing who fled from police earlier today on Lost Lake Rd in the Highlands.

Police were in the course of an ongoing investigation and were looking to speak with the two suspects prior to them fleeing in the bush.

Police had information that the suspects were possibly armed and dangerous. For this matter, West Shore RCMP is being assisted by Victoria Police, Saanich Police, Saanich Police Canine, the RCMP Emergency Response Team as well as an RCMP helipcoter.

The area of search was expanded to the Thetis Lake area.

Out of abundance of precaution, we are asking the public to avoid the area to allow police officers to work in the area. West Shore RCMP has also been in contact with the School District 62 and school officials in the area.

We are committed to release further information as and when they become available. Please continue to monitor our website.

Media availability at West Shore RCMP Detachment at 2:00 pm today (June 17th 2016).

Released by

Cst. Alex Bérubé

Media Relations Officer
West Shore RCMP
www.westshore.rcmp.ca
698 Atkins Avenue, Victoria, BC V9B 3A4
Office: 250-391-3304
Fax: 250-474-8970

Email: alexandre.berube@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Westshore RCMP are providing frequent updates on Twitter:

Though not closed, we are still encouraging the public to stay clear of Thetis Lake park. Thank you. #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

We’re suspending the search in Highlands. However we’re still actively searching for 2 suspects. Thank you all for the help. Info? Call us!

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

We do not have anyone in custody at this time. Please report any suspicious males wearing dark clothing in the area. #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

Again, advising all residents in this broad searching area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors as precautionary measures. #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

We are looking for two males with dark clothing, possibly armed. Highlands residents: please report any suspicious persons in the area. #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

#IMPORTANT: For officer safety reasons, please DO NOT post pictures of officers locations. #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

Residents of the Highlands in the area of Lost Lake Rd, please stay in your homes. Looking for 2 suspects, possibly armed. #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

2 male suspects could possibly be around Thetis Lake area. Wearing dark clothing, one possibly barefoot. Stay clear the area please #yyj

— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) June 17, 2016

Watch @Ocean985 on Twitter and @WestshoreRCMP for updates as this investigation continues. Contact Greater Victoria Crimestoppers if you have any information 1-800-222-TIPS

Mel Z – Middays 10am – 3pm Ocean 98.5