Vancouver Police release critical incident video
October 10, 2024
On September 27, 2024, Vancouver Police, as part of the SW Washington Regional SWAT team, responded to assist the Clark County Sheriff’s Office with an incident in the 5400 block of NE 71st Street. One Vancouver Police SWAT Officer discharged their firearm during the incident. That officer was placed on Critical Incident Leave, per standard protocol. All Vancouver Police Officers who responded were wearing body worn cameras (BWC) and the Vancouver Police Department had two Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at the incident that captured video.
Following an officer-involved shooting involving the Vancouver Police Department, the department will release a Critical Incident Video, which may include portions of video captured from department body worn cameras, department vehicle cameras, or department UAS. The release of these videos is at the discretion of the Chief of Police and is separate from the Independent Investigation Team (IIT) investigation.
The Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team, led by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting an independent investigation of this incident. The Vancouver Police Department is not involved in the officer-involved shooting investigation. VPD will conduct an administrative investigation/review after the independent investigation team has concluded their investigation.
The Critical Incident Video can be viewed on the Vancouver Police Department website: Critical Incident Videos -The City of Vancouver, WA
The Vancouver Police Department will not be commenting on the investigation or the content in the Critical Incident Video. Release of the video is to provide some visual context of the incident as the Vancouver Police Department understands the events to have occurred, according to the video and incident information at the time.
The Vancouver Police Department values the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all persons, and any loss of life is tragic.
Please be aware the video contains graphic images and viewer discretion is strongly advised.