Edmonton, AB – The RCMP can now confirm that the suspect, who shot two RCMP officers earlier this morning in St. Albert, was located deceased in an unoccupied private residence in a rural area east of St. Albert. Police tracked the suspect to the location earlier today, and contained the scene for the purpose of arresting the suspect when it was deemed safe to do so. The suspect’s body was found when officers entered the residence in their efforts to locate him. Police have tentatively identified him, and are now working to confirm this information.
At no time during police efforts to arrest the suspect at this residence, did officers speak with the suspect or fire their weapons. However, this incident is considered an in-custody death, because police had established containment of the scene where the suspect was found deceased. As per Government of Alberta protocols, the RCMP has informed the Alberta Director of Law Enforcement of this death, and he has directed the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to initiate an independent review of the circumstances of the suspect’s death. The RCMP continues to have carriage of the investigation related to the officer shootings.
The wounded officers remain in hospital. RCMP Constable David Matthew Wynn (age 42), who joined the RCMP is 2009, remains in grave condition. Auxiliary Constable Derek Walter Bond (age 49), who has worked with the RCMP in a volunteer capacity since 2008, remains in serious but stable condition. Photos of the officers will not be released at this time.
The RCMP asks that reporters respect the privacy of the officers’ families while they deal with this traumatic situation.
The RCMP thanks the public for the messages and support we have received on the part of the wounded officers and their families.
