Saskatchewan RCMP are currently on the hunt for a suspect believed to be connected to an officer-involved shooting in Manitoba.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on April 22 in the town of Russell, Manitoba. The Manitoba RCMP responded to a call about a suspicious person in a vehicle. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a male suspect who was armed with a firearm.
During the confrontation, shots were fired and the suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. The officers involved in the incident were not injured.
The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Justin Leslie Bird from Saskatchewan. He is described as being 5’11” tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.
The Saskatchewan RCMP have issued a warrant for Bird’s arrest and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him. They are warning the public not to approach him and to instead call 911 immediately if he is spotted.
Bird is facing multiple charges in connection to the incident, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and flight from police.
The Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services are currently investigating the incident. They are asking anyone with information to contact the Russell RCMP at 204-773-3051 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
The Saskatchewan RCMP are also reminding the public to always be cautious and aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.
