A 44-year-old man is facing several charges, including attempted murder, after “violently attacking” a Cold Lake RCMP officer who was attempting to arrest him Tuesday afternoon, police said in a news release Wednesday.
On July 7, RCMP said it located a stolen vehicle in a Walmart parking lot at around 5:30 p.m. The responding officer attempted to arrest the man believed to be responsible for the theft when the RCMP member was punched in the head by the suspect, police said.
Police said the man then stole the officer’s baton and hit them in the head with it several times. Police added the suspect then ran to another vehicle, threatening the owner with a knife before stealing the Trailblazer and driving away from the scene.
Cold Lake RCMP followed the suspect southbound on Highway 28 and managed to stop the stolen vehicle. Police said the suspect was arrested and remains in custody.
The assaulted officer was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is now recovering at home. RCMP added the stolen baton was also recovered.
Travis Peter Slipchuk, from Bonnyville, Alta., is facing 24 charges, including attempted murder, theft of a weapon from a peace officer and assault with a weapon.
“An incident like this highlights the unpredictable and dangerous situations we face on a daily basis,” Sgt. Ryan Howrish said in a news release.
“I want to thank the community members who came forward to assist our RCMP member and to provide valuable witness evidence in relation to this terrible incident.”
Slipchuk remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 22.