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A man has died after a shootout with the RCMP near High Prairie during the course of a day-long manhunt in which a police dog was killed.
Lionel Ernest Grey, 29, from the Gift Lake Metis Settlement had serious injuries when he was arrested around noon Friday, RCMP said. Police wouldnt say what his injuries were or how they got them. Police began pursuing Grey after he allegedly didnt pull over for a traffic stop because of an outstanding arrest warrant around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
Alberta RCMPs Chief Supt. Kevin Kunetzki said in at a Friday news conference broadcast on Facebook the suspect and police shot at each other during the course of the pursuit.
During the incident there was an exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of police service dog Jago, Kunetzki said.
Grey had serious injuries at the time of his apprehension. Alberta RCMP tactical medics and Alberta Health Services EMS immediately provided medical assistance, though he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
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Kunetzki said the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been notified and is investigating the fatal encounter.
About a half-hour after Grey fled from police, High Prairie officers spotted his vehicle turning into a provincial park from Highway 679. Police were able to find the suspects vehicle abandoned after getting stuck in the mud.
Multiple police agencies including the RCMP, police dog services and air services set up a perimeter around the forested area where the suspect was believed to be hiding. Grey was said to have been armed and dangerous and the public was warned to stay away from the area.
Police were tracking the suspect when the dog was killed. No further details were given.
No other officers were hurt.
Police service dog Jago was born in 2016 and served with the RCMP for four years. His former handler, Cpl. Scott MacLeod, has about 10 years of experience as an RCMP police dog handler.
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