As the search for Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky continues, we are able to provide the following update.
Officers have conducted and continue to search high probability areas of interest in the Gillam area. Investigators continue to follow up on tips, review the physical and digital evidence collected, and share information with police forces across Canada.
Over the next 72 hours, investigators will conduct door-to-door canvases in the Town of Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation, in hopes of generating new tips and information. Residents in these areas can be assured that we are activating all necessary resources to protect public and officer safety.
Our investigators are also exploring the possibility that the suspects may have inadvertently received assistance in leaving the area. To restate, there have been no confirmed sightings outside of the Gillam area, however we remain open to the possibility.
Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky may have changed their appearance. It is possible that someone may not have been aware of who they were providing assistance to, and may now be hesitant to come forward. I want to reiterate the importance of contacting police immediately.
It is critical that all Canadians remain vigilant for Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky. If they are spotted, do not approach, call 9-1-1 or your local police immediately.
I also want to stress the importance of not creating and sharing online rumours. The spreading of false information in communities across Manitoba has created fear and panic.
Be assured that it is in our best interest to share CONFIRMED facts as soon as possible, both in advancing our investigation and with respect to public safety.
The search for Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky continues, and we can now confirm that there have been two established and corroborated sightings of the suspects in the Gillam area. These sightings were prior to the discovery of the burnt out vehicle. There have also been no reported stolen vehicles that could be attributed to the suspects. At this point in the investigation, we believe they are still in this area.
Manitoba RCMP has deployed a significant amount of resources to the Gilliam area including our Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and Air Services assets. The RCMP Major Crime Unit is involved, as well as RCMP North District resources, and RCMP resources from other provinces.
The informational check-stop at the intersection of PR 280 and PR 290, the road leading into Gillam, continues to be in place and will be for the foreseeable future.
Our officers have conducted detailed and thorough searches of potential areas of interests and these searches continue.
Over the last 48 hours, we have received 80 tips and we continue to ask the public to remain vigilant for Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky. If they are spotted, do not approach, call 9-1-1 or your local police immediately. In the Gillam area, call 204-652-2200. In Thompson, call 204-677-6911.
As you can appreciate, this is a dynamic and unfolding situation. I understand that people have many questions, and we commit to providing answers as soon as we are able.
The Manitoba RCMP continues to work with BC RCMP and share information in relation to locating Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky, the two suspects connected to investigations in northern British Columbia.
On Monday evening, RCMP recovered a vehicle in the Gillam area after receiving a report of a vehicle fire. We can now confirm this vehicle is the same vehicle the suspects were travelling in.
Based on this information, we have sent a number of resources to the Gillam area. There will be a heavier police presence in the community.
We have also set up an informational check-stop at the intersection of PR 280 and PR 290, the road leading into Gillam.
With respect to public safety, we understand the concerns being raised. This is a complex, on-going investigation, involving multiple jurisdictions. We are engaged with police across Canada.
We are investigating all tips and are continuing to ask for the public's assistance.
We are also reminding everyone that these suspects should not be approached if seen and to call 911 or your local police immediately.
Further details will be provided when available.
The Manitoba RCMP continues to work with BC RCMP and share information in relation to locating Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky, the two suspects connected to investigations in northern British Columbia.
A number of resources have been sent to the Gillam area to assist in this investigation.
Manitoba RCMP has also set up an informational check-stop at the intersection of PR 280 and PR 290, the road leading into Gillam.
"We have received numerous tips and information throughout the evening, and are continuing to ask for the public's assistance" said Cpl. Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. "If you see something suspicious, call police. We are also reminding everyone that these suspects should not be approached if seen and to call 911 or your local police immediately."
The investigation is ongoing and further details will be provided when available.