WINNIPEG, MB – An RCMP officer in Alberta who suffered a gun shot wound last week is recovering well.

Evansburg RCMP said one of their members was injured following an exchange of gunshots with a suspect. Sergeant Brian Topham, the Evansburg Detachment Commander, received injuries as a result of a gunshot on March 29 and was taken to an Edmonton Hospital.

As of late Friday Sgt. Topham remains in the hospital, but is recovering well and is in good spirits.

The shooting came at the end of a pursuit by mounties on March 30th. RCMP located a male believed to be wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant out of Calgary. Police tried to stop the suspect in the vehicle he was driving, however he failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued on Highway 16 between Evansburg and Entwistle, traveling eastbound and westbound multiple times. The suspect vehicle avoided tire deflation devices. Mounties from other Alberta communities were assisting Evansburg members in the pursuit.

While eastbound at Nojack, a tire deflation device was successful. The suspect continued until the vehicle came to a stop at Highways 16 and 22 North.

This is when a confrontation occurred between the RCMP members and the male suspect, who was the only person in the vehicle. The male suspect suffered fatal injuries.

This incident has now been referred to Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) which is mandated to investigate incidents involving serious injury or death that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer. Further information will not be made available by the RCMP.

File Photo