Manitoba RCMP release details on sightings of homicide suspect

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – Manitoba RCMP have provided more information into the search for Eric Wildman.

RCMP say the 2020 Chevy Equinox, believed to be operated by Wildman, was seen driving eastbound on Highway 44, east of Whitemouth, at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Adding all possible RCMP resources are being deployed to bring Wildman safely into custody.

WATCH: What we know as of June 16, 2021 (subject to updates) 

Expect heavy police presence throughout the Whiteshell area.

Earlier in the day, the RCMP said they had credible information about a sighting of Wildman on Tuesday in the area of Lockport, Man., about 30 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

In an update Wednesday, Mounties provided surveillance photos, which appear to show Wildman at a Lowe’s Home Improvement store, on Panet Road in Winnipeg on June 11.

After leaving Lowe’s around 7 p.m., Wildman was allegedly seen entering a cab, which took him to the Winnipeg International Airport, where it’s believed he rented a car.

In a Police release on Tuesday, RCMP said they believe Wildman may be driving a 2020 Chevy Equinox, charcoal grey in color, with Manitoba license plate KGE 368.

RCMP say they have received information of a credible sighting of Wildman in the Lockport area on June 15. At the time he was driving the rented Equinox and was heading East on Highway 44.

RCMP add time is of the essence for tips and information regarding Wildman.

“We’re in the areas we’re keeping an eye, doing our very best to attend as fast as possible every tip that comes in, we are following up on again timeliness and I can stress back to the public. If you have information, call us immediately. Please,” said Sgt. Laura LeDrew, Manitoba RCMP Major Crime services.

“We’ve already had several tips that we’ve been able to follow up on as we’ve kind of released to the public, that we anticipate to help. Until we find him and bring him safely into custody. I would 100 per cent say it (locating Wildman) changes by the second and I could not predict what’s going to happen in the next half hour.”

An arrest warrant is out for Eric Paul Wildman, who police say is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

RCMP say he has been charged with unsafe transportation of a firearm as well as the possession of a prohibited device without a license.

Both sets of charges are in relation to Wildman’s vehicle being recovered on June 11, 2021, by RCMP.

Police also say they found police tactical equipment, police patches and other items resembling police clothing, and police cannot confirm if Wildman has any additional police related clothing or equipment.

“That leads us to think that this person was perhaps going to impersonate a police officer, which of course draws that link immediately to that east coast tragedy, which is why we are acting the way that we are now,” said Sgt. Ledrew, referring to a 2020 killing spree in Nova Scotia where a man driving what looked like a police cruiser killed 22 people over the span of 13 hours, before he was shot dead.

Police also say Wildman remains a person of interest in the disappearance of Clifford Joseph.

On June 7, police located Joseph’s 1997 Ford Ranger abandoned in a rural area, off Road 44 East.

RCMP say a search and rescue team was deployed, however Joseph was not located.

Officers continue to search a property in the area where Joseph was last seen.

Upon further investigation, officers were able to determine Wildman was a person of interest in Joseph’s disappearance, and the disappearance is now being considered a homicide.

“An investigation is ever evolving, we follow where the evidence leads us and update the public with the most accurate information we have,” said Superintendent Michael Koppang, the officer in charge of the RCMP Major Crime Services.

“At this time, we consider Eric Wildman to be dangerous and potentially armed. Our officers across southern Manitoba are trying to locate him and we are also working closely with the Winnipeg Police Service as he was last seen in the East Kildonan area. This situation continues to change, and we are committed to keeping the public informed of any developments.”

RCMP describe Wildman as 6’2”, 170 lbs with blue eyes. He’s considered armed and dangerous and is believed to be in the City of Winnipeg.

In the video surveillance from Lowe’s, Wildman was seen wearing shorts, t-shirt, runners, a white camouflage babeball cap and a surgical mask.

He’s known to frequent the City of Winnipeg and the RM of St. Clements, where he is from.

RCMP are asking Manitobans to stay vigilant, “keep looking for vehicles and people that just seem out of place and if again, if you’re not sure, err on the side of caution,” added Sgt. LeDrew.

If you have any information on Eric Wildman call 911 immediately or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

-With files from Mark Neufeld and the Canadian Press