A Surrey-based police watchdog is investigating a shooting involving a Surrey Police Service officer Sunday evening March 17, outside Guildford Town Centre near 152 Street and 104 Avenue.

According to the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), two SPS officers were walking outside the mall when they encountered a man 鈥渞eportedly holding a weapon.鈥� The IIO did not disclose what kind of weapon it was, but the BC RCMP, which notified the IIO of the shooting, indicated it was a gun.

鈥淧olice attempted to stop the man and there was an interaction, leading to one officer discharging their firearm and striking the man,鈥� an IIO press released issued March 18 states. 鈥淭he affected person was taken to a hospital for treatment.鈥�

The IIO is looking into 鈥渨hether any force used was necessary, proportionate, and justified under the circumstances.鈥� It鈥檚 asking anyone with 鈥渞elevant information鈥� or video footage of the incident to contact the IIO Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on its website, iiobc.ca

The IIO is an agency that provides independent civilian oversight over police in B.C., tasked with investigating all police-related incidents resulting in serious harm or death, 鈥渨hether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.鈥�

Cpl. Alex Berube, of the RCMP, said the man reportedly fled when approached.

鈥淢edical assistance was provided and he was transported to hospital with serious injuries. Nobody else was injured,鈥� Berube said.

Meantime, the Surrey RCMP is conducting a subsequent investigation into the report of the weapon. Police are asking anyone who has any information about that to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

At the last Surrey Police Board meeting on March 13 Supt. Allison Good outlined several outreach efforts the SPS is undertaking, including Walk the Beat Wednesday.

鈥淚t鈥檚 allowed us to reach out to the community,鈥� she said.