Attempt murder charges have been laid after officers were met with gun fire while attempting to enter the residence to execute a warrant.
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, shortly before 7:00 p.m. members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received information that an individual wanted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Winnipeg was at a residence on Massassauga Road in Ameliasburgh Ward, Prince Edward County. The OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a warrant to enter a dwelling at the home early in the morning of June 18, 2021. In the course of executing the warrant, officers were met with gun fire.
With the assistance of Crisis Negotiators, two individuals surrendered to police. The wanted man, Eric WILDMAN, 34 years of age, of Manitoba, was safely taken into custody by the OPP Tactics and Rescue unit.
On Sunday June 19, 2021 the OPP concluded the evidence search of the Massassauga Road residence. As a result, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ballistic evidence was recovered from the scene. Also recovered was a quantity of ammunition from the vehicle Wildman had been operating.
The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch under the direction of a Major Case Manager, continue to investigate. Through the Ontario Court of Justice, OPP investigators have obtained a Canada wide warrant for the arrest of WILDMAN for the following Criminal offences:
· Attempted murder with a firearm, of members of the OPP – Criminal Code 239(1)(a)
· Attempted murder with a firearm, of an unknown person – Criminal Code 239(1)(a)
· Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence – Criminal Code 95(1)(a)
WILDMAN remains in the custody of Manitoba Correctional Services and is scheduled to appear in Winnipeg court on Wednesday June 23, 2021.
Once the arrest warrant is executed, the courts in both provinces will work together to determine the most efficient manner in managing the multi-jurisdictional nature of the charges.
WILDMAN is the only individual the OPP intend to charge in relation to this incident.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
