Armed Standoff NW of Tofield

Two officers were injured and a suspect shot during an armed standoff northwest of Tofield early last week.

Tofield RCMP were called to the scene after a firefight broke out between officers from Vegreville and Two Hills and a man resisting arrest, said Tofield Commander Sgt. Doug Coleman.

A Tofield officer was one of five officers on scene at the time but was elsewhere on the property.

The incident has captured provincial and national media attention since it occurred over the evening hours of Monday night and early Tuesday morning last week. It has also gripped the attention of locals in and around the area, many of whom worried that the hurt officers might have been from the Tofield detachment.

After the firefight, and the subsequent escape of the suspect, Tofield officers were called out at 8 p.m. to secure the area around Range Road 192 and Township Road 522.

“We were called out to assist,” said Coleman. “I got home pretty late. We were there to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.”

For several stories about the RCMP assault and shooting see the Jan. 14/14 issue of the Tofield Mercury