RCMP Manitoba is on the scene of a rural St. Clements property, hoping it leads to locating a suspect at large who may be in possession of police-like gear.
Officers are searching a property in the R.M of St. Clements Tuesday afternoon connected to Eric Wildman, a homicide suspect at large. Due to the situation, the media is being asked to not attend the scene.
“At this time, we consider Eric Wildman to be dangerous and potentially armed. Our officers across southern Manitoba are trying to locate him and we are also working closely with the Winnipeg Police Service as he was last seen in the East Kildonan area. This situation continues to change, and we are committed to keeping the public informed of any developments," Superintendent Michael Koppang, Officer in Charge of RCMP Major Crime Services says in a statement.
Mounties are emphasizing the importance of not approaching a homicide suspect who may be armed and in possession of police gear. On Friday, police found Wilman's abandoned vehicle and inside the vehicle were items resembling police gear, and firearms.
He has since been charged with Unsafe Transportation of a Firearm and Possession of a Prohibited Device without a Licence and has a warrant out for his arrest. Authorities are concerned Wilman may have more police gear and firearms in his possession.
As of Saturday, Wildman was last seen in Winnipeg. He also frequents St. Clements, where he is from.
“An investigation is ever-evolving; we follow where the evidence leads us and update the public with the most accurate information we have."
On Monday night, the police send out a statement saying the previously-named wanted man is now a murder suspect in the disappearance of 40-year-old St. Clements resident Clifford Joseph. A tipline has been established. Authorities are asking those with information to call 911 or the RCMP tip line at 431-489-8551.
Joseph was last seen leaving his home in the early hours of Monday. His green 1997 Ford Ranger was soon found abandoned on Road 44 East where he was last seen. At the time, Joseph was not found despite search efforts. Joseph's missing person's case has since been upgraded to a homicide case. Authorities have not released more information on why the case has been upgraded.