RCMP hunt ‘dangerous’ gunman after Alberta shootout
Written by on February 8th, 2012 in Latest News.
RCMP are searching for a man they describe as armed and perilous and have confirmed that a second man was found dead inside a home near Killam, Alta., on Wednesday — a day after a shootout that injured two officers.
Police are looking for Sawyer Robison, 27, who may be armed. (RCMP)
The identity of the man, who appears to have died from a gunshot, has not been confirmed, said Sgt. Patrick Webb.
Police were certain one man had been shot during an exchange of gunfire at the house around 2 p.m. Tuesday, which also left two officers wounded.
The two, who are recovering in Edmonton hospitals with non-life-threatening wounds, have been identified as Const. Sheldon Shah and Const. Sidney Gaudette of the Killam detachment.
They were at the house with two other officers to do a search warrant for a .45-calibre handgun.
RCMP believe Robison may be driving a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado similar to this one. (RCMP)
Police are now looking for Sawyer Clarke Robison, 27, who was reportedly seen leaving the home after the officers arrived.
Robison is described as having a fit appearance, six-foot-two and about 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
He is likely driving a black 2000 Chevrolet Silverado with Alberta licence plate number UZE 545.
Missing man could be perilous
The RCMP consider Robison a person of interest in the shootings, and believe he could be armed and perilous, said Sgt. Patrick Webb.
“It would be in Robison’s best interests to call the nearest RCMP detachment as soon as possible to make arrangements to speak with the investigators,” said Webb.
Police don’t believe he’s a threat to the public.
“We have nothing to indicate this individual is any threat to any member of the community in general,” he said. “He’s more of a threat to RCMP members … to any authority figure or law enforcement.”
Police were not familiar with Robison prior to the shooting, he said.
Police recovered several weapons in the home and continue to search residences and outbuildings on the property.
The investigations into the shooting will examine whether proper protocol was followed and appropriate risk assessments made, said Webb.
He doesn’t expect the relative inexperience of the wounded officers — one has five years RCMP experience, the second has two — will be considered a factor.
“As in so many of the RCMP detachments right now we have a lot of junior service members, but at the same time you have to remember there were four members there; one was the sergeant — he’s very experienced,” he said.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, a civilian agency that probes incidents involving police that cause serious injury or death, and the RCMP will be conducting investigations.
