UPDATED: RCMP confirm suspect in Golden shooting found deceased

By Nelson Daily Staff

RCMP have confirmed that police have located the body of the suspect Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said in a media release Wednesday.

Dan Moskaluk said Thunderblanket was found deceased.

"A positive confirmation of identification and the exact cause of death is now the subject of a full investigation by the BC Coroner Service," Dan Moskaluk said in the media release.

"The deceased was located within the identified search area east of Revelstoke," he added.

"The area will remain closed to allow for a full evidentiary search to be completed."

Moskaluk said police delayed on confirming this information in order to ensure that next of kin notifications had been completed, as well as notifications to all the partner agencies who have a connection or interest in this case.  

"Southeast District Major Crime Unit has lead on the concurrent investigation relating to the initial call near Golden on October 11th," Moskaluk said

Moskaluk said IIO BC (Independent Investigations Office) has been notified and will now investigate if there is a connection between the male's death and the actions of police.

Search ends for suspect in Golden shooting, located in Revelstoke

The search for suspect wanted in the shooting of a Golden RCMP officer Tuesday has ended.

The City of Revelstoke released information on its Facebook page that suspect Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket has been apprehended by police.

"RCMP have confirmed the suspect has been located," the Facebook post said.

"The search has been discontinued and the RCMP will continue with their investigation. The safety of the community has been restored."

The Facebook post said the man hunt utilized every available source including: RCMP, SWAT, Emergency Response, Police Dogs, Police Air Services, Search and Rescue, C.P. Police, Parks Canada totaling more than 65 people searching at all times.

The Facebook post said the search has moved into the Greely area but citizens of Revelstoke are being warned to be cautious as the Man is considered armed and dangerous and is wanted for murder in Saskatchewan.

Thunderblanket, 40, was also wanted in the death in Saskatchewan after Lacey Frank was found injured and another person found dead just after midnight Monday.

He has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault, mischief and breach of undertakings in the Saskatchewan shootings.

Search continues for suspect in Golden shooting

The search continues for the suspect wanted in connection with a series of events near Golden on Tuesday (October 11th).

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk of the RCMP said in a media release as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday police can confirm that the stolen vehicle connected with the suspect was located late last night just outside of Revelstoke.

"Multiple resources (Traffic services, Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and General Duty) attended the area and search efforts continued throughout the night; however the suspect has not been located at this time," Moskaluk said.

"Additional resources are being deployed to the area."

Search efforts are currently within a four kilometre area east of Revelstoke.

Moskaluk said given the information available to date, police believe they are dealing with a suspect wanted in connection with a murder and attempt murder out of Saskatchewan.

Moskaluk said police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket who is considered armed and dangerous.

"He is described as an Aboriginal male, 5’6" tall, 209 lbs with black hair and brown eyes" Moskaluk said.

"If you see him, do not approach him and contact police immediately by dialing 911."

Moskaluk said traffic on the Trans Canada Highway 1 is open with single lane alternating traffic approximately six kilometres east of Revelstoke and 26 kilometres west of Golden.

He said the traffic situation is being continually assessed and we appreciate the public’s patience given the serious nature of the events underway.

Moskaluk said the injured RCMP officer remains in hospital at this time.

Anyone seeing anything suspicious or able to provide additional information that can assist police, should call a local detachment of the RCMP immediately.

Search continues for suspect after officer shot near Golden

BC RCMP is confirming a police officer was shot during a rapidly evolving series of events that began Tuesday afternoon near Golden, BC.

The police officer suffered the gunshot after the member and other police officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be associated to a theft.

Events unfolded thereafter to include the theft of a vehicle, allegedly at gunpoint.

"At this time were confirming that our officer sustained a gunshot injury during the circumstances surrounding the initial vehicle stop," says Staff Sergeant Rob Vermeulen, spokesperson for RCMP in B.C.

"The police officer has been taken to hospital. The officer and family are being offered all possible support."

Highway 1 near Golden was shut down to traffic after the incident. Traffic is now beginning to be allowed through, but please note the highway is not fully re-opened yet.

"Thank you very much to the motoring public for their patience. These are serious allegations, and our officers needed to work quickly to gather perishable evidence," says S/Sgt. Vermeulen.

No one is in custody at this time. The search for the suspect is continuing and further information will follow when available.