Surrey RCMP officer cleared after shooting man who attacked police with a machete, following a deadly domestic assault.
Surrey Officer Found Justified in Deadly Machete Shooting
SURREY, BC – A Surrey RCMP officer has been cleared after fatally shooting a man who attacked police with a machete following a domestic homicide. The ruling comes from British Columbia’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO).
The incident occurred on July 7, 2025, when officers were called to a home amid reports of a possible domestic assault. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man covered in blood, armed with a machete. Attempts to subdue him with stun guns failed, prompting the man to throw the weapon at police.
Immediate Threat to Officers
IIO chief civilian director Jessica Berglund stated the scene presented an “imminent threat.” The bloodied man’s aggressive actions, including hurling the machete, made the use of lethal force unavoidable.
Tragic Discovery Inside the Home
After the shooting, officers discovered the man’s spouse had been killed inside the residence, reportedly by the same machete. The situation escalated quickly, leaving officers with no safe alternative to protect themselves and prevent further harm.
Berglund’s report concluded that the officer’s response was “necessary and justified,” noting that police had anticipated the potential for violence when responding to the call.
Community Reaction
The decision has sparked conversations about police response in domestic violence cases and the split-second decisions officers must make when lives are at risk.
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