ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — A British Columbia police officer who died in the line of duty has been identified as a constable with 24 years of experience who was also active in his community.
Const. John Davidson died after responding to a report of a possible stolen vehicle Monday in Abbotsford, B.C.
The Abbotsford Police Department said Davidson began his career as a police officer in the United Kingdom in 1993 before moving to British Columbia in 2006.
He is survived by his wife and three adult children.
In a statement on Tuesday, Abbotsford police said Davidson worked for Northumbria police until 2005.
With the Abbotsford force he worked in the patrol, youth squad and traffic sections.
"Our community lost a hero," the statement said. "John was a dedicated police officer who devoted so much of his time to connecting with the community and helping kids."
#abbypd fallen officer and hero Cst. John Davidson. https://t.co/qNCDHjcemM pic.twitter.com/cQGMRAEElf
— Abbotsford Police (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 7, 2017
Abbotsford police have said a man in his 60s from Alberta was taken into custody Monday after exchanging gunfire with officers.
Chief Bob Rich said officers were called about a possible stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping complex at about 11:30 a.m. Monday.
The caller hemmed in the suspect's vehicle while waiting for police to arrive, Rich said. The suspect emerged from the vehicle and began shooting at the caller and others, he said.
When police officers arrived, they attempted to arrest the suspect, who fled in the vehicle.
Our Hero, Constable John Davidson, Your Will Never be Forgotten... We Thank the Men & Women in Uniform and their Families for their Sacrifices to Help Keep Our Communities Safe!
Posted by Darpan Magazine on Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Police officers pursued him to an intersection where he was apprehended and taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The civilian agency that investigates police actions resulting in serious harm or death says it's believed the suspect was shot.
The point at which Davidson was shot has not been disclosed.
Rich paid tribute to Davidson and other officers after the shooting.
In the deepest darkness there can be light. We see you. So many of you. Thank you for being there for us. #abbypd pic.twitter.com/ATCKHBSrAc
— Abbotsford Police (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 7, 2017
"All of them, were absolutely heroic," he said. "There were officers heroically trying to save the life of our member. There were officers immediately taking control of the scene.
"When they responded to this, they responded in a way that was designed to protect the public. This person was trying to kill people, members of the public, and our officers responded.
"The officer who gave his life today is a hero. He was protecting this community.
"He will always be my hero."
'He Will Always Be My Hero': Police Officer Shot To Death In Abbotsford, B.C.
ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — A British Columbia police officer is being remembered as a "hero" after he died Monday in an exchange of gunfire with a man accused of shooting at people in a parking lot.
Chief Bob Rich of the Abbotsford Police Department said officers were called about a possible stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping complex at about 11:30 a.m.
The caller blocked the suspect's vehicle in while waiting for police to arrive, Rich said.
"Unfortunately, a male suspect emerged from that vehicle and began shooting at the caller and others with a shotgun," Rich said at a news conference.
There were several 911 calls reporting the shooting and police officers arrived in the area and attempted to engage with and arrest the suspect.
"There was an exchange of gunfire," Rich said, and one officer was taken to hospital with "very serious injuries."
"The horrible part of this story, our injured APD officer was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after he arrived."
The suspect, a man in his 60s from Alberta, fled in the vehicle and police officers pursued him to the intersection of Mt. Lehman Road and Fraser Highway, Rich said. The man was apprehended and taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The deceased officer's name has not been released.
Rich said the investigation will continue and there are still many questions left to be answered. He said the police department's priority will be supporting the officer's family and each other.
He said he met with the officer's spouse and delivered the "horrible news face to face."
"Our officers' actions today, all of them, were absolutely heroic," he said. "There were officers heroically trying to save the life of our member. There were officers immediately taking control of the scene.
"When they responded to this, they responded in a way that was designed to protect the public. This person was trying to kill people, members of the public, and our officers responded.
"The officer who gave his life today is a hero. He was protecting this community. He will always be my hero."
The @AbbyPoliceDept officer killed in yesterday's shooting is Constable John Davidson. Police officer for 24 years. With #APD since 2006. pic.twitter.com/AroNalDKDR
— Anita Bathe (@anitabathe) November 7, 2017
An employee at a nearby vehicle dealership said the fatal shooting is connected to a sports car that was allegedly stolen over the weekend.
George MacDonald, a manager at MSA Ford in Abbotsford, said a man came in to test drive a Mustang around 9 a.m. on Saturday and drove off without leaving his driver's licence.
Shortly before noon on Monday, a dealership employee noticed the vehicle parked about 400 metres away at a restaurant, MacDonald said.
"One of my guys blocked the car in until the Abbotsford police came and before the police came the guy came back with a rifle and decided he wanted the car back," McDonald said. "The truck took two or three bullet holes."
McDonald said he left to return a key to the dealership minutes before the shooting took place.
"I did 20 years in the military but I'm not used to anything like that happening this close to home," he said.
The Independent Investigations Office, which looks at all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, sent its investigators to the scene. The office says it's believed the suspect was shot.
As British Columbians, we are filled with grief at this tragic loss & give gratitude to those who put their lives on the line for us.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) November 7, 2017
Premier John Horgan issued a statement on Twitter expressing his condolences to the family of the police officer.
"Deeply saddened to hear of the death of an Abbotsford police officer today. My heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues," he said.
"As British Columbians, we are filled with grief at this tragic loss and give gratitude to those who put their lives on the line for us."
