Advertisement

Suspect in RCMP shooting near Golden, B.C. found dead

Click to play video: 'Search ends for suspect in RMCP shooting near Golden B.C.'
Search ends for suspect in RMCP shooting near Golden B.C.
WATCH ABOVE: The manhunt is over for the man police say shot a B.C. RCMP officer in the arm on the TransCanada highway Tuesday. Officials in Revelstoke say Sheldon Thunderblanket was located there, he was on the run after allegedly murdering a woman in Saskatchewan. Reid Fiest reports – Oct 12, 2016

The suspect wanted in connection with an incident involving an RCMP officer being shot in the arm along Highway 1 near Golden B.C. on Tuesday has been found dead.

RCMP confirmed they located the suspect, Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket on Wednesday. Later that afternoon, police confirmed Thunderblanket was deceased.

“We delayed on confirming this information in order to ensure that next of kin notifications had been completed, as well as notifications to all the partner agencies who have a connection or interest in this case,” said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.

WATCH: RCMP Cst. Amber Brunner ‘doing fairly well’ after shooting: RCMP

Story continues below advertisement

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) will now investigate whether there was a connection between the suspect’s death and the actions of police. The exact cause of death is not yet known and is being investigated by the BC Coroner Service.

The RCMP officer allegedly shot by Thunderblanket has been confirmed as RCMP Cst. Amber Brunner.

RCMP officer Amber Brunner is the victim of an alleged police shooting near Golden, B.C. She is expected to make a full recovery after being shot in the arm. The Golden Star

The officer is expected to recover and her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. In a Facebook statement, the City of Revelstoke said the officer had reconstructive surgery done on her hand and arm Tuesday night and is currently recovering.

Story continues below advertisement

Thunderblanket had been considered armed and dangerous and was wanted in connection with a recent homicide in Saskatchewan.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Tami Frank identified as murder victim in Saskatchewan shooting that left another person injured

Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket is considered armed and dangerous.
RCMP Handout

This incident began when police were conducting a check stop on Highway 1 on Tuesday afternoon in connection with a possible theft. The driver of a stopped vehicle failed to comply with police direction and stole another nearby vehicle.

Witness Greg Jeannotte told Global News he heard two gunshots and then “police officer down, police officer down.” He said the suspect then carjacked a vehicle from an older couple and drove off westbound.

Officers closed Highway 1 between Revelstoke and Golden for about eight hours while they searched vehicles.

Story continues below advertisement

BC RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk told NewsTalk 770 in an interview they had to re-route traffic to protect the crime scene.

“We cannot have vehicles driving through, physically over and through a scene we’re trying to protect and possibly destroy very important physical evidence that if you had somebody driving through it that could destroy it,” Moskaluk said.

Police found the stolen vehicle connected with Thunderblanket just outside Revelstoke Tuesday night.

Revelstoke Mayor Mark McKee couldn’t offer any additional details on Thunderblanket’s apprehension but did say this incident has really opened the eyes of residents in the community regarding safety and security.

“We all think that we all live in this clean, safe environment and we do. But I think we all have to be vigilant and watch our neighbourhoods and protect our own environments,” McKee said.

Sponsored content

AdChoices