Trans-Canada Highway closed after RCMP officer shot

The Trans-Canada Highway is closed between Revelstoke and Golden after a serious incident in which a female RCMP officer was shot.

Staff-Sgt. Rob Vermeulen said the incident happened near the weigh scales west of Golden, B.C. while RCMP were conducting a vehicle stop in connection with a possible theft.

Police say the suspect in the stopped vehicle failed to comply with police direction, and subsequently stole a nearby vehicle.

#goldenbc shocked to hear about #RCMP being shot. Traffic is not going anywhere but we are safe and warm. pic.twitter.com/sWBdOhh6q7

— Dennis Bil (@dennybil) October 12, 2016

During this incident an RCMP officer was shot and received non-life threatening injuries, the RCMP have confirmed. 

“At this time we’re confirming that our officer sustained a gunshot injury during the circumstances surrounding the initial vehicle stop. The police officer has been taken to hospital. The officer and family are being offered all possible support,” said Staff-Sgt. Rob Vermeulen in a statement.

“There is now an active search underway for the suspect in this incident, with multiple police resources responding,” said Vermeulen. “Please be advised it is very early during an evolving police investigation, and information at this time, such as direction of travel, is still limited.”

#SoutheastDistrict #Golden-Field – Police looking for suspect after vehicle thef… https://t.co/mPpMo6xNHh

— bcrcmp (@bcRCMP) October 12, 2016

Police are providing little more information on the incident. “Police are unable to provide any further information. Updates will be provided when feasible,” Vermeulen said in a statement.