Updates in RCMP shooting case

Leslie Cholowsky – Editor

    On Feb. 14, RCMP located the suspect vehicle in the recent shootings of two Killam detachment RCMP officers, hidden among various vehicles and equipment on private rural property southeast of Lougheed. 

    According to RCMP, the Explosive Disposal Unit was used to make sure it was safe to approach and examine the vehicle.

    A sniper rifle was found unloaded inside the vehicle, and RCMP brought a canine team to the site, who found a .50 caliber magazine nearby.

    Police say that a .50 caliber sniper rifle is known to have a maximum range of approximately 6,800 meters (6.8 km) and a maximum effective range of approximately 1,800 meters (1.8 km).

    RCMP thanked the public for their assistance in locating the vehicle.

    The Special Tactical Oper-ations (STO) and Police Dog Services (PDS) are still in the area searching for further weapons, ammunition and other potential evidence.

    Police announced Friday that they are searching for a specific weapon, a Colt M4 semi-automatic rifle, 556mm NATO Law Enforcement model.

    Approximately 25 RCMP members are involved in this search, which includes a foot search in an area southeast of Killam, reported police.

    Members of the public are warned that if they find this weapon they should not touch it, but call 911 or the detachment (780) 385-3502 to report their discovery.
    The community continues to express concern for the police officers who were shot, news last week said one of the officers has been released while the other remains hospitalized.
    Both face a long recovery period.
    “To those who make the choice to serve, and to the families who support them, we are deeply in your debt.”

For further information see the Feb. 22/12 issue of The Community Press