An RCMP officer escaped serious injury after being shot in the head during a standoff near Fredericton.
Police responded to an alleged assault at a residence in Kingsclear First Nation on Tuesday afternoon.
Mounties said the suspect threatened the arriving officers before barricading himself inside with a weapon.
A short time later, police said “dozens of gunshots” were fired through the windows of the residence.
“Police did not return fire at any point during the incident,” RCMP said in a news release on Wednesday afternoon.
Seven RCMP vehicles were struck by bullets and significantly damaged, including the tactical armoured vehicle.
An Emergency Response Team member was also hit in the head by a bullet, but the ballistic helmet they were wearing prevented any serious injuries.
“Crisis negotiators attempted to negotiate with the man, but he refused to surrender,” said the release.
Officers deployed tear gas into the residence, which forced the suspect and a second person from inside.
A 34-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman were arrested, with the woman later being released from custody.
The man remains in custody and has been charged with attempted murder, discharge of a firearm with intent, aggravated assault, assault and uttering threats.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation that had the potential to result in significant injuries and even loss of life,” Sgt. Stephane Esculier said in a news release.
“The phenomenal police work executed by our general duty members, specialized units and the Fredericton Police Force allowed this situation to come to a successful resolution with no physical injuries sustained by frontline officers.”
Several nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution ,and the rest of the community was told to shelter in place.
