Williams, a public inebriate who was a member of Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations in British Columbia, ignored three commands to drop the knife, police officials said. The department originally said Williams advanced on Birk, but later retreated on that statement.

Birk, 27, who has been with the department for about two years, fired four rounds at Williams, the department said. Police have not disclosed how many rounds struck Williams or where he was hit.