UPDATED: Suspect in police shooting found dead
By Castlegar Source
RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk released the following statement at 4:46 p.m. Wednesday:
The RCMP can now confirm that we have located the body of the suspect we were searching for. He was found deceased. A positive confirmation of identification and the exact cause of death is now the subject of a full investigation by the BC Coroner Service. The deceased was located within the identified search area east of Revelstoke. The area will remain closed to allow for a full evidentiary search to be completed.
We delayed on confirming this information in order to ensure that next of kin notifications had been completed, as well as notifications to all the partner agencies who have a connection or interest in this case. Southeast District Major Crime Unit has lead on the concurrent investigation relating to the initial call near Golden on Oct. 11.
The IIO BC has been notified and they will now investigate if there is a connection between the male’s death and the actions of police. Questions related to the IIO BC are best directed to them or by visiting their website www.iiobc.ca
Previous coverage:
The suspect is the shooting of a police officer near Gold Tesday has been located, according to a post on the City of Revelstoke Facebook page, which reads as follows:
“RCMP have confirmed the suspect has been located. The search has been discontinued and the RCMP will continue with their investigation. The safety of the community has been restored.
“The man hunt continues utilizing every available source including: RCMP, SWAT, Emergency Response, Police Dogs, Police Air Services, Search and Rescue, C.P. Police, Parks Canada totaling over 65 people searching at all times. The search has moved into the Greely area but citizens of Revelstoke are being warned to be cautious as the man is considered armed and dangerous and is wanted for murder in Saskatchewan. Currently the highways are open to single lane alternating traffic but vehicles are still being searched. The police helicopters are currently performing an air search.
“The police officer shot in Golden had reconstructive surgery done on her hand and arm last night and is recovering.”
Previous coverage:
RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said police have made progress in the search for a suspect involed in the shooting of an officer near Golden on Thursday.
“As of 7:30 a.m. on Wednesda,y Oct. 12, police can confirm that the stolen vehicle connected with the suspect was located late last night just outside of Revelstoke.
Multiple resources (Traffic services, Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and General Duty) attended the area and search efforts continued throughout the night; however the suspect has not been located at this time. Additional resources are being deployed to the area.
Search efforts are currently within a four-kilometre area east of Revelstoke.
Given the information available to date, police believe we are dealing with a suspect wanted in connection with a murder and attempt murder out of Saskatchewan.
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket who is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as an Aboriginal male, 5’6″ tall, 209 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. (see photo) If you see him, do not approach him and contact police immediately by dialing 911.
Traffic on Highway #1 is open with single lane alternating traffic approximately 6 kilometres east of Revelstoke and 26 kilometres west of Golden. The traffic situation is being continually assessed and we appreciate the public’s patience given the serious nature of the events underway.
The injured RCMP officer remains in hospital at this time.
If you see anything suspicious or have any additional information that can assist police, please call immediately.
Previous coverage:
BC RCMP is confirming a police officer was shot during a rapidly-evolving series of events that began this afternoon near Golden, according to a press release issued Tuesday evening.
The police officer suffered the gunshot after the member and other police officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be associated with a theft. Events unfolded thereafter to include the theft of a vehicle, allegedly at gunpoint.
“At this time, we’re confirming that our officer sustained a gunshot injury during the circumstances surrounding the initial vehicle stop. The police officer has been taken to hospital. The officer and family are being offered all possible support,” said Staff Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, spokesperson for RCMP in B.C.
Highway 1 near Golden was shut down to traffic after the incident. Traffic is now beginning to be allowed through, but please note the highway is not fully re-opened yet.
“Thank you very much to the motoring public for their patience. These are serious allegations, and our officers needed to work quickly to gather perishable evidence,” Vermeulen said.
No one is in custody at this time. The search for the suspect is continuing and further information will follow when available.
