A 56-year-old man remained in critical condition after being shot by police Tuesday afternoon in west St. Catharines.

On Wednesday, police markers dotted the ground in front of 71 Rykert St. and police tape blocked access on the road as an investigation continues.

At about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, uniform officers were called to a report of a male armed with a knife, Niagara Regional Police said.

When officers arrived on the scene an altercation ensued during which the male was shot.

In a news release, Ontario's Special Investigations Unit said two officers fired their guns and that the man was hit "multiple times."

Neighbours said they heard what sounded to be fireworks in an irregular burst.

Duke Willis, who lives across the street, was returning home from nearby Pelham Road when he saw a cruiser coming from the opposite end of Rykert Street.

"The street is almost empty, but full of parked cars. I pulled over a half-a-house width before Edith Street to let him go by," said Willis.

He expected the cruiser to pass him, but it turned and stopped abruptly in front of the address just metres away from Willis and his daughter who was in the vehicle with him.

Willis said a young male officer and female officer exited the car and at the same time he saw the man walking up a driveway.

He stopped and then took about four steps and the officers discharged their weapons, Willis said.

He recalled four shots being fired at the man.

"It happened in the driveway of 73 Rykert St.," Willis said. "He wasn't close to them, 15 feet or more. This guy was no physical threat to them."

Police said the wounded man was taken to local hospital for treatment of what the NRP called life-threatening injuries.

Wednesday afternoon, the SIU said that the man remained in critical condition.

In a news release, the SIU said five of its investigators and three forensic investigators have been assigned to the case. At this time, two subject officers and three witness officers have been designated.

As the SIU is involved, the NRP said it is prohibited from providing further information at this time.

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No additional details of the incident were provided by the SIU.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529. The unit is also urging anyone who may have video evidence related to this incident to upload that video through the SIU website.