This is my city. Wednesday night while at work, I saw a myriad of cop cars fly by on the main street. I figured they were chasing a car. Then I saw more... and more. And ghost cars go by... a few hours later I came in and one of the cashiers told me. A 24 year old man was on a rampage north part of the city, armed and extremely dangerous. Three police officers dead, two in surgery for their wounds.
A large part of the city was put on complete lockdown. Nobody in, nobody out. Stay indoors, lock your doors, shut your windows, draw your curtains. Night had already fallen by the time this was happening. Nothing like this EVER happens here, ever. So you have to understand that the entire city was frozen in fear. My facebook was completely covered until the wee morning hours of people following the news, scared, nervous, huddled up with their children in basements...
I watched Const. Damien Theriault give the first media briefing, confirming the death of the three officers. It was difficult to watch him try and speak while holding back tears. (warning - upsetting.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Must%2...ID/2462235802/ )
The next day, he was spotted at 7 am but when the cops got there, he was long gone. Armoured vehicles and swat teams patrolled the city throughout the day, acting on any information and viable tips they received, but they had absolutely no luck. They swarmed a few areas, but didn't catch him. So the lockdown continued, eventually passed the 24 hour mark. Until at 12:10 am today (Friday) when they acted on a tip and surrounded a wooded area, screaming for him to surrender. He screamed "I'm done" and walked out of the forest, unarmed, and was immediately taken into police custody. Many witnesses saw the scene unfold in their backyards. More details on the arrest will be released once he is in court. But for now, the lockdown has been lifted.
Three mounties lost their lives in one night. It makes me sick thinking about it. Husbands, fathers, brothers, sons... The police station stairs are currently full of flowers and bouquets to thank them for protecting us and there will be a candle light vigil held later tonight. Here is more information on our fallen protectors. I cannot imagine the hurt their families must be feeling. They deserve more respect than I can fathom.
Please, send your good thoughts and vibes and prayers to the families of...
Const. David Ross
Ross, 32, was originally from Victoriaville, Que. He was married and with his wife, Rachel (pictured above), had a 19-month-old son and a second child on the way. He joined the force in Ottawa and after graduating on July 9, 2007, was posted to New Brunswick. His cousin, Lucinda Ross, wrote on Facebook the police dog-handler was "passionate about his work.".
Const. Frabrice Georges Gevaudan
Gevaudan, 45, was born in Bouloin, France. He joined the RCMP in Regina and on Feb. 11, 2008, was posted to New Brunswick as a general duty officer.
Const. Douglas James Larche
Larche, 40, was born in Saint John, N.B. On Feb. 4, 2002, he was posted to New Brunswick and served in a few detachments before working most recently in Codiac, which covers the Moncton area. In 2008, Larche received a Commander's Commendation for saving the life of an unconscious baby in Moncton.
http://www.lfpress.com/2014/06/06/mo...ims-identified
Edit - My aunt just sent me this photo of the front steps of the police headquarters.
