ST. ALBERT, Alta. - RCMP say they have found a man suspected of gunning down two officers at a casino just outside Edmonton early Saturday morning, leaving one of the officers in grave condition.
There was no immediate word on the suspect's condition or identity.
"There is no longer any public safety threat related to this incident," police said in a release, noting there would be a news conference later Saturday to release more details. "The RCMP thanks the public for the messages and support we have received."
Both officers were being treated in hospital.
One was listed in "very grave condition," while the other was listed in "serious but stable condition."
The shooting happened in St. Albert, an affluent community of about 60,000 bordering Edmonton's city limits to the northwest where the national force handles policing.
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Marlin Degrand said a fairly routine investigation into a suspicious vehicle led the two officers to the Apex Casino in an industrial area at about 3 a.m.
The officers, Degrand said, determined the vehicle was stolen and went inside the casino to identify suspects.
That's when shots rang out and the shooter took off.
Degrand said it didn't appear the officers were expecting trouble when they entered the casino.
The two were felled without getting a chance to return fire, he said.
Police tracked the armed and dangerous suspect to a rural area near the Sturgeon Valley Golf Course, not far from the shooting scene.
Mounties blocked off several roads as they searched and a helicopter flew overhead.
The roads were opened shortly after word came that the suspect had been located.
Investigator seemed to be focusing their attention on an upscale home on an acreage in a rural neighbourhood called Sturgeon Heights.
Police were blocking access to the property. It appeared the front door of the home had been forced open.
A dark-coloured pickup truck left partly in the ditch not far from the home was hauled away from the scene.
Degrand couldn't say how many shots were fired, nor was he able to say how many witnesses were in the casino at the time of the shooting.
He said police knew the type of gun used, but he wasn't prepared to release that information.
"This incident serves to remind us all of the dangers that our front-line responders everywhere face in the performance of their duties," Degrand said.
"Our thoughts are with our injured officers and their loved ones and our colleagues who are courageously pursuing this investigation."
St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse said his initial reaction to the shootings was sadness.
"Attacking those who protect our lives and property is an attack on all residents," the mayor said in a statement.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement on Twitter expressing his concern for the shooting.
"Canada's thoughts and prayers are with [Alberta RCMP] officers today," the tweet read.
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission also extended its condolences.
"Our hearts and prayers are with all of those involved," it said. "The casino will remain closed while the investigation is underway. The AGLC will continue to support the RCMP in any way possible."
