EDMONTON – Crimebeat – Travis Baumgartner, wanted on Canada-wide warrants on three counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder, was arrested today, Saturday, June 16, 2012, by U.S. border officials in Washington State, following an intense 36-hour manhunt initiated by the Edmonton Police Service.
Baumgartner, 21, was arrested while attempting to cross into the United States at the Lynden, Washington U.S.-Canada border, south of Abbotsford, B.C. Supt. Bob Hassel, of EPS’s Criminal Investigations Division, confirmed the arrest, noting Baumgartner was arrested while driving his dark blue Ford F-150.
“We’re hearing the vehicle still had his mother’s licence plate (CAA 636) on it,” said Hassel. “We’re grateful to the border officials at Lynden, Washington, for their excellent work in arresting a man we believe was armed and extremely dangerous.”
Police officials are on their way to bring Baumgartner and the truck back to Edmonton.
News of Baumgartner’s arrest has brought some level of solace and relief to the G4S family, still in a state of shock on the heels of Friday’s shootings.
“We applaud the dedication of the Edmonton Police Service, and other law enforcement agencies in apprehending Travis Baumgartner today,” said Robin Steinberg of G4S Cash Solutions (Canada). “Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims and also with the Baumgartner family.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with the Edmonton Police Service, while conducting our own detailed investigation into the incident.”
“Once again, we would like to thank our customers, employees and the community in general for their continuing support during this difficult time.”
No further comment will be made on this arrest tonight.