Manitoba RCMP officer in serious condition after being shot; three suspects arrested

WINNIPEG — RCMP say three suspects are in custody after a shooting in western Manitoba sent an officer to hospital in serious condition.

The Mounties have not provided any specifics about what led to the shooting, only calling it a “serious incident.” It happened late Wednesday near the town of Onanole, about 100 kilometres north of Brandon.

The RCMP initially said they believed the suspects “may have split up,” with some fleeing on foot and some leaving the scene in a Black 2005 GMC Sierra extended cab pickup truck.

News of the three arrests came Thursday morning. Police said they were continuing to hunt for a fourth person believe to be involved.

They had said the suspects were considered armed and dangerous and residents in the area had been asked to ensure their doors and windows were locked.

Craig Atkinson, a rural municipal councillor who lives near Onanole, said he understands the arrests happened Thursday morning, just southeast of the community along or near a provincial highway.

“It was that area down the 262 east and slightly south. I believe (the suspects) were seen or reported to be breaking into people’s houses.”

Atkinson, who is also the superintendent at the nearby Riding Mountain National Park golf course, said the shooting happened in a rural area not far from Onanole, about three kilometres from where he lives.

He said there was a “heavy police presence” in and around the community during the overnight manhunt and everybody was on edge.

“I know they had RCMP officers from all over the area … apparently up to about 60. Everybody was certainly aware if they were awake of what was going on last night.”

Police were expected to release more details on the shooting later Thursday.

The Canadian Press