UPDATE - Shooting leaves four RCMP Officers dead

The ongoing investigation has confirmed the four RCMP Officers were fatally shot while inside the quonset. Media images suggesting the officers were shot outside are not able to capture the actions taken by the RCMP Emergency Response Team to assess their conditions, maintain officer safety, and possibly provide medical assistance. Until determined safe the site had to be treated as a lethal environment.

This investigation began with Mayerthorpe RCMP providing assistance in a civil process relating to the recovery of property. When our members attended they discovered a Marihuana grow-operation. While responding with a search warrant on the grow-operation, investigators discovered stolen property. The grow-op was addressed on Wednesday evening. The stolen property was to be addressed by RCMP Auto Theft Section on Thursday morning when the shooting occurred.

At this time we are still unable to confirm how James ROSZKO died. The Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting post mortem examinations, the results of which may be able to provide some clarification. There has been speculation that ROSZKO was arrested and released Wednesday evening, we can state that information is not accurate.

The ongoing investigation is being supported by RCMP Major Crime members from British Columbia. They have been tasked to assist the investigation and to provide independent oversight of the investigative process. The current focus is on the following aspects:

• 1) Post mortem examinations are being performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office, Edmonton
• 2) Examination of the Crime Scene, expected to extend for several days;
  • a) Senior Forensic Identification Technicians
  • b) Forensic Science Experts.
  • c) Senior Forensic Firearms Specialists.
• 3) Interviews of any persons with knowledge of or involvement in this event.
• 4) Investigation into the background of James ROSZKO.

As the process permits we will continue to release additional details as they become available. Unfortunately we are not able to give any time lines for the release additional information.

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Media Contact

Wayne A. Oakes, Cpl
Media Relations Officer
RCMP “K” Division
Media & Communications Services
780 - 786 - 2291 Mayerthorpe Det