Attempted murder charges have been laid against former at-large fugitive Eric Wildman  after OPP officers were met with gun fire while attempting to enter a Rossmore residence Friday.

On Thursday evening shortly before 7:00 p.m. members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received information that Wildman, wanted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Winnipeg to answer to possible homicide charges, was at a residence on Massassauga Road in Ameliasburgh Ward, Prince Edward County.

Eric Wildman (RCMP handout)

The OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a warrant to enter a dwelling at the home early in the morning of June 18, 2021. In the course of executing the warrant, officers were met with gun fire.

With the assistance of Crisis Negotiators, two individuals surrendered to police. Wildman, 34,  of Manitoba, was safely taken into custody by the OPP Tactics and Rescue unit.

On Sunday  the OPP concluded the evidence search of the Massassauga Road residence.

As a result, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ballistic evidence was recovered from the scene. Also recovered was a quantity of ammunition from the vehicle Wildman had been operating.

The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch under the direction of a Major Case Manager, continue to investigate. Through the Ontario Court of Justice, OPP investigators have obtained a Canada wide warrant for the arrest of Wildman for the following Criminal offences:

·      Attempted murder with a firearm, of members of the OPP – Criminal Code 239(1)(a)

·      Attempted murder with a firearm, of an unknown person – Criminal Code 239(1)(a)

·      Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence – Criminal Code 95(1)(a)

Wildman remains in the custody of Manitoba Correctional Services and was scheduled to appear in Winnipeg court on Wednesday in relation to the disappearance and presumed death of his neighbour Clifford Joseph.

Once the arrest warrant is executed, the courts in both provinces will work together to determine the most efficient manner in managing the multi-jurisdictional nature of the charges.

Wildman is the only individual the OPP intend to charge in relation to this incident.

-Staff