KAMLOOPS, B.C. — An officer who was shot during a traffic stop in Kamloops, B.C., is in critical but stable condition and has provided Mounties with helpful information, says a senior Mountie.
Supt. Brad Mueller said the 40-year-old male officer underwent emergency surgery, though he wouldn't reveal the extent of the injuries.
"I was at the hospital earlier this morning and visited with his wife and family," Mueller said Wednesday.
"The doctors were very happy with how he responded with the surgery," he said, adding the Mountie with 13 years' experience has two young children.
Mueller said the officer was wearing a bullet-proof vest and driving a marked police cruiser as he approached a vehicle just before 3 a.m. Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation.
"I can say that our officer was fired upon as he approached the suspect vehicle and the backup officer who was also in attendance returned fire towards that vehicle," he said.
"Those results are preliminary and that will later be confirmed through further investigation into this matter."
Mounties are looking for a white, four-door Chrysler Intrepid with B.C. license plate AF765.
"Police ask the public to call the RCMP immediately if they encounter this vehicle and to consider any persons associated to this vehicle as armed and dangerous," Mueller said.
The RCMP has contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, Mueller said, adding he couldn't reveal if police are looking for one or more suspects.
Dennis Maruschy, who lives a block and a half from the shooting scene, said he was awakened by the sound of gunfire.
"It sounded like one guy emptying a clip - pop, pop, pop, pop," Maruschy said. "It sounded like someone emptying a clip in a semi-automatic."
Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar said he was shocked to hear the news.
"I guess you always hope that you live in a community where something like this wouldn't happen," he said.
"I think that the RCMP are all very well aware of the risk they are assuming and the fact that they're still willing to put themselves out there for us on a day-in and day-out basis is beyond commendable."
Mueller said there are a lot of solemn faces at the RCMP detachment.
"People who don't wear the uniform and don't put their lives in danger every day don't have a true understanding of what you go through in those types of situations.
"I can assure you there's great support and great concern for the officers involved. I've asked them to take care of themselves and get the support they require from their family and friends, and our organization will also be providing support." (The Canadian Press, Kamloops This Week, CFJC)
