Evansburg RCMP involved in shooting following vehicle pursuit

Evansburg RCMP can confirm that one of their members has been injured today following an exchange of gunshots. The member suffered non life-threatening injuries and has been transported to an Edmonton hospital.

On the afternoon of Mar. 29, an RCMP member in Evansburg located a male believed to be wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant out of Calgary. At approximately 5:15 p.m., efforts were made to stop the male suspect in the vehicle he was driving. The male failed to stop for police and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued on Highway 16 between Evansburg and Entwistle, travelling eastbound and westbound multiple times. The suspect vehicle avoided tire deflation devices. RCMP members from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Edson, and Drayton Valley assisted Evansburg members in the pursuit.

While eastbound at Nojack, the deployment of a tire deflation device was successful. The suspect continued eastbound until the vehicle came to a stop at Highways 16 and 22 North.

A confrontation occurred between the RCMP members and the male suspect, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The male was injured fatally and the RCMP member suffered minor injuries. Members remained at the scene to continue their investigation.

The incident has been referred to Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) which is mandated to investigate incidents involving serious injury or death that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer. Further information will not be made available by the RCMP.

We focus our sympathy towards everyone affected by this event, and our good wishes to our recovering member.

Evansburg RCMP involved in shooting following vehicle pursuit – UPDATE

Following a serious incident which was reported Mar. 29 involving several RCMP Detachment members, the RCMP are now able to confirm the name of the member injured.

Sergeant Brian Topham, the Evansburg Detachment Commander, received injuries as a result of a gunshot on March 29, 2018.

Sgt. Topham remains in the hospital, but is recovering well and is in good spirits. He and his family are extremely appreciative of the support and concern that has been flooding in from colleagues and the public. The entire RCMP Division is standing behind him and wishing him a speedy recovery.