BREAKING: RCMP officer killed on duty in Burnaby

A Burnaby RCMP officer has died after being stabbed during an incident near the local hospital Tuesday (Oct. 18). A male suspect was shot and remains in hospital.

The incident happened around 11 a.m., near the intersection of Canada Way and Curle Avenue, in a grassy area between the Burnaby School District office and Broadview Park.

Police have identified the officer as 31-year-old Const. Shaelyn Yang, who was part of the department’s outreach team and had been with them for three years.

Investigators say that it’s believed Yang was in the area to assist a city parks staff member in regards to a tent, when an altercation occurred between Yang and a man.

Yang was stabbed and taken to hospital where she later died. The suspect, who was shot, was also taken to hospital.

Chief superintendent Graham De La Gorgendiere says “Const. Shaylin Yang” was working with their outreach team. That she was compassionate and kind and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JyBAQtIiu1

— Jane Skrypnek (@janeskrypnek) October 19, 2022

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has confirmed it has been deployed to look into the incident. The office investigates any incidents linked to police in B.C. involving serious harm or death.

Tuesday afternoon, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Yang “sacrificed her life in the course of duty,” but he had no other details about her death.

A visibly shaken Farnworth said it is “absolutely a tragic and horrific situation.”

He expressed sincere condolences to all police officers in B.C. on behalf of members of the legislature.

“Every day we ask thousands of men and women in uniform in this province to go out and do their duty, keeping our communities safe, keeping the public safe, knowing full well it’s an extremely dangerous job.”

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said in a statement that they are devastated to hear of the death of the officer.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, fellow RCMP members and civilian staff during this terrible time. I know our city staff and the community will also feel this deeply — please seek support if needed. We will continue to work closely with the RCMP to provide all the support we can.”

The Metro Vancouver Transit Police Department tweeted “outrage builds as our hearts break.”

“Our officers worked closely with her and she will be deeply missed,” the statement said.

Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said he was devastated by the news of the loss of the officer in the line of duty.

“At this difficult time, my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased officer and to the entire Burnaby RCMP Detachment,” he said in a tweet.

Please avoid Canada Way between Boundary Road and Willingdon Avenue due to an unfolding incident.

There does not appear to be any ongoing risk to the public.

More information will be released when available. pic.twitter.com/y8zjkCVT6Z

— Burnaby RCMP (@BurnabyRCMP) October 18, 2022

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