RCMP search for Manitoba homicide suspect zeroes in on Whiteshell Provincial Park
The RCMP has zeroed in on Whiteshell Provincial Park in the search for a fugitive wanted for homicide.
Eric Wildman, 34, is a suspect in the recent disappearance and suspected death of his neighbour Clifford Joseph in the R.M. of St. Clements.
Wildman remains at large and officers have warned he may be armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached.
The last confirmed sighting of a vehicle police believe he’s been driving – a 2020 Chevy Equinox – was on Highway 44 near Whitemouth, Man. as it headed east towards the Whiteshell.
The RCMP said officers from across southern Manitoba are involved in the search and that it’s pulling out all the stops to find Wildman.
On Thursday, there was a noticeable RCMP presence in the Whiteshell, with multiple specialized units on the ground and in the air.
It put some park users looking for a peaceful getaway on alert.
“It was kind of strange,” said hiker Chad Ferens. “I completely forgot about it until I saw the tactical unit and then I kind of realized, yeah, it’s a manhunt.”
Wildman’s neighbour Clifford Joseph, 40, disappeared Jun. 7 and police suspect he is dead.
Investigators said Wildman was captured on surveillance cameras in Winnipeg on the evening of Friday June 11. First at Lowe’s home improvement store on Panet Road and then at the airport, where officers said he rented the Equinox with Manitoba license plate KGE 368.
“So that’s what we’re going with,” said Sgt. Laura LeDrew, with RCMP Major Crime Services. “The sighting (Wednesday) was credible. It was the vehicle. So we have to go with what we know right now.”
It’s a vehicle investigators said was first spotted Tuesday night in the Lockport area. Officers said it was seen again on Wednesday night near Whitemouth around 7 p.m. heading east on Highway 44 towards the Whiteshell and the Manitoba/Ontario border.
“We reached out to our partners in Ontario Provincial Police at Kenora, they met us halfway,” said LeDrew. “They were manning the border there. Great communication. We scoured the area. It was getting dark; we had our plane up. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to confirm another sighting.”
The last confirmed sighting of the vehicle is about 100 kilometres southeast of Wildman’s home near Stead in the R.M. of St. Clements. That’s where police found Joseph’s abandoned truck near Wildman’s place on June 7 and some of his belongings on or near Wildman’s driveway but they still haven’t found Joseph’s body.
Police also recovered a vehicle belonging to Wildman June 11, searched it June 13 and found firearms and police-related clothing and tactical equipment but they’re not sure if he has access to more gear.
Whiteshell Provincial Park camper Leanne Zoroneck said she’s not worried but is staying cautious, watching for anything suspicious.
“I’ve been looking for the vehicle and keeping an eye out,” said Zoroneck. “We’re a close-knit community and we take care of one another and I think the word could spread quickly if it had to.”
Joseph had been living in a home which at one time belonged to 66-year-old Vernon Karl Otto.
Otto disappeared under suspicious circumstances in 2018. He’s never been found but police would only say that case remains under investigation.
In another twist to the search, RCMP said they’re aware Wildman’s late father when he was 14 shot and injured a Mountie west of Virden during a vehicle pursuit in 1962.
“It hasn’t factored into our response,” said LeDrew. “It’s a fact. We have to realize it and understand it but it doesn’t change our response to this whatsoever.”
The RCMP said officers on Thursday did respond to a vehicle similar to the description of the one Wildman is believed to be driving. Police said they investigated the parked vehicle just southwest of the Whiteshell along Highway 1 and determined it wasn’t the one they’re looking for.
The RCMP believes Wildman’s alone. Police said they don’t know if he has any connection to the Whiteshell but they said anyone with information should contact RCMP at 431-489-8551. If you see Wildman, who’s described as six-foot-two, 170 pounds, or the vehicle, call 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6875950.1715037001!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.