Mountie in critical condition after shooting

UPDATE — RCMP statement at 1:55 p.m.:

As a result of the ongoing police investigation that is unfolding in the Bachelor Heights area, police are advising residents that access to the subdivision is currently closed off.

Residents can attend the Parkside Lounge at Interior Savings Centre until the area is re-opened. There are a limited number of residences in the area that are currently being evacuated; others are being allowed to remain in their homes.

School District 73 is aware of the closure and is making arrangements for the students who are affected by this. There is no update with regards to the investigation itself at this time.

NEWS/ POLICE — A 40-year-old Kamloops RCMP officer was in critical but stable condition in hospital today (Wednesday) after surgery for wounds suffered in an early morning shooting.

Supt. Brad Mueller told a media briefing the incident occurred at 2:45 a.m. during a traffic stop at Batchelor Drive and North River Drive. The officer, a 13-year veteran of the force, was approaching a vehicle when he was fired upon.

An officer in a backup unit returned fire and the suspect or suspects fled in the vehicle. The wounded officer was taken to Royal Inland Hospital for emergency treatment, and Mueller said doctors were optimistic after the surgery. No details of his injuries were revealed. He is married with two young children.

Mueller said the officer was able to provide information about what happened, but he did not reveal details of what the officer said. The officer was wearing his full operational uniform including a bullet-proof vest, and was driving a marked RCMP vehicle.

Mueller didn’t identify the Mountie who was shot, but some media reports are reporting his name as Cpl. J.R. Michaud. Mueller said he would confirm the name later.

Police are looking for a 1998 four-door white Chrysler Intrepid with B.C. license plate AF765A. Mueller said the registered owner of the car has been interviewed but didn’t say if the licence plate or the suspects are from Kamloops.

The number of suspects involved in the shooting hasn’t been determined. “As a result of our investigation we’ve identified possible suspects… We are looking at possibly more than one suspect.”

Mueller said there is no reason to think there’s an immediate threat to residents but advised the public to be wary. “We need to be very vigilant.”

He said the investigation and search for suspects could result in further roadblocks during the day, and asked for patience. Anyone seeing the vehicle should consider persons associated with it as being armed and dangerous, he said.

Mueller praised the work of on-duty members who responded to the incident and set up a police line around the area, searching vehicles and starting the investigation.

“I can tell you that there were a lot of solemn faces” among members, he said, adding, “They did a tremendous professional job.”

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