Military assist in manhunt in Manitoba

Yesterday the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale issued a request for assistance for the search effort around Gillam, Manitoba seeking Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18.

They are suspected of three homicides in British Columbia.

“The recent murders in northern British Columbia have shocked and saddened us all. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the loved ones of the victims of these terrible crimes.

“I received a request from RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to provide assistance in the efforts to find the two suspects in these murders. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, and I have accepted the formal request for federal assistance, for a Canadian Armed Forces aircraft to aid in the search near Gillam, Manitoba,” stated Goodale in a press release.

The military liaisons office confirmed the RCMP requested a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules aircraft from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg and it has arrived in Gilliam to assist with an aerial search.

An RCMP officer will be on board the aircraft to direct the search.

“The crew for a SAR configured CC-130H Hercules is comprised of two pilots (an aircraft commander and a co-pilot), an air combat systems officer, a flight engineer, a loadmaster and two Search and Rescue Technicians.”

The search remains a Royal Canadian Mounted Police-led effort, with the CAF supporting with air search capabilities.

The media liaisons office noted that using the SAR would not affect SAR coverage for the region, and the military would be assisting the RCMP until they were no longer needed.

Minister Goodale thanked the RCMP members and law enforcement partners who are working to keep Canadians safe.

He also reminded Canadians to remain vigilant concerning the two suspects and if a person sees something, to not approach the suspect but to call 9-1-1 immediately.”