UPDATED: Suspect in custody after policeman shot in Kamloops
By Contributor
A suspect in connection with the Wednesday morning shooting of a Kamloops RCMP officer has been taken into custody without incident.
On December 3, 2014 at 2:45 am, members of the Kamloops RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a white Chrysler Intrepid at Bachelor Drive and North River Drive when shots were fired. A member of the Kamloops RCMP suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. Officers exchanged gunfire but the suspect vehicle fled the scene.
“Numerous resources were immediately deployed to search for the suspects and the vehicle involved, including police helicopter, Police Dog Services, Emergency Response Team, and various uniformed and plainclothes members,” said Supt Brad Mueller, Officer in Charge of the Kamloops RCMP.
“I can confirm that at 3:30 pm this afternoon, we have apprehended one male in relation to this incident,” Supt Mueller announced.
The arrest came after an extensive search of the Bachelor Heights area which included some evacuations and road closures. The majority of the restrictions police placed on the residents in the area have now been lifted, however must ask everyone to respect any remaining police caution tape as the active investigation continues.
The family of our police officer has given us approval to release his name publicly. Cpl. Jean-Rene Michaud remains in hospital, in critical but stable condition.
“I would like to thank the public for your patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout the day as we conducted our police operations in the search for the suspect, and your continued support for Cpl. Michaud and his family,” adds Supt Mueller
As a result of new information received, as of 5pm this afternoon, Kamloops RCMP were notified that the Independent Investigation Office will be asserting jurisdiction over the investigation, looking into the actions of the police officers involved.
Previous coverage:
An intensive search for the suspects involved in the shooting of a Kamloops RCMP officer on Wednesday morning continues.
On Dec. 3 at 2:45 am, members of the Kamloops RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a white Chrysler Intrepid at Bachelor Drive and North River Drive when shots were fired. A member of the Kamloops RCMP suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. Officers exchanged gunfire but the suspect vehicle fled the scene.
An intensive search has been conducted and police have identified several suspects in connection with this event. The Kamloops RCMP have completed some evacuations of the affected area for public safety reasons and continue to work with residents for their safe egress from the area. A reception centre has been set up by emergency services at the Parkside Lounge at Interior Savings Centre for those residents who are affected.
Media reports of arrests made in this case are inaccurate but we will continue to work to bring updates as new information becomes available.
In consultation with his family, we can now confirm that the member who was shot in the incident is Cpl Jean Rene Michaud. He remains in critical but stable condition. The family and friends of Cpl Michaud, along with the RCMP, appreciate all of the well wishes that have been received for his speedy recovery
Previous story:
Kamloops RCMP are continuing their investigation into an incident that occurred at 2:45 am this morning, December 3rd where one of our officers was shot during a traffic stop. The officer was conducting a traffic stop at Bachelor Drive and North River Drive when shots were fired.
Our officer was transported to Royal Inland Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The officer is a 40-year-male, with 13 years of experience. He is currently listed in critical condition and remains in intensive care. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague, his wife, young children and the rest of his family.
At the time of the incident our officer was wearing his full operational police uniform and was driving a fully marked RCMP vehicle. Preliminary information indicates that as the officer was approaching the suspect vehicle he was shot, a back up officer then returned fire on the suspect vehicle before it fled the scene.
We are actively looking to apprehend the person(s) involved in this incident. There are multiple resources deployed towards this investigation The vehicle involved in the traffic stop is a 1998, four-door, white Chrysler Intrepid with BC license plate AF765A. Police ask the public to call RCMP immediately if they see this vehicle and to consider any persons associated to it as being armed and dangerous.
We would like to advise the public and the media that as this dynamic search for a suspect continues; citizens may encounter roadways blocked off and police operations. We ask for your patience and please adhere to police directions provided to you at these locations.
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