On October 1, 2020, at approximately 2:45 pm, Lundar and Ashern RCMP were notified of a 25-year-old male with a gun threatening to shoot police at a rural property near Moosehorn in the RM of Grahamdale, Manitoba. When officers arrived on scene, there was one male on the property. No other civilians were present. He was carrying a loaded rifle and had a significant amount of ammunition.
Over the loudspeaker from a police vehicle, officers directed the male to put down the weapon. He refused. He began intentionally shooting in the general direction of where the RCMP officers were taking cover. The male appeared to be intoxicated and was very agitated. Officers continued to talk to the male in an attempt to get him to put his weapon down.
At approximately 5:30 pm, officers became aware that the male was out of ammunition and were able to safely arrest him and place him in a police vehicle.
RCMP officers did not fire their weapons at any point during the incident. No RCMP officers were injured, and no civilians were in danger throughout the event. The male suspect was not injured during the arrest. He was transported to hospital, examined, and released. He remains in police custody.
"This situation was resolved safely with no injuries, and I am very grateful for that," said Inspector Chris Moore, Incident Commander. "Our officers are in dangerous situations day in and day out, but when a firearm is involved, it takes that danger to another level. The training these officers receive as well as the genuine concern they have for the people of their community kept this incident from escalating and allowed for a peaceful resolution."
The male is facing charges of Possession of a Firearm Knowing it is Unauthorized, Discharge with Intent x3, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Court Order. Other charges are being considered.
The investigation continues with the assistance of RCMP Forensic Identification Section out of Winnipeg.