RCMP have found a suspect in a pair of violent incidents that took place New Years' Day, including a homicide and shooting.
Following a day-long manhunt spanning communities in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, RCMP announced that 18-year-old Xander Tardiff had been arrested.
"Xander Tardiff has been safely taken into custody. The Manitoba RCMP thanks the public and media for their assistance," reads a Manitoba RCMP news release issued at midnight Jan. 2.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan RCMP announced early Jan. 1 that a homicide had taken place in Flin Flon and a shooting had taken place in Creighton, both in the wee hours of the morning Jan. 1. RCMP were looking for Tardiff, a Flin Flon resident, in relation to the two incidents.
Tardiff was described as armed and dangerous by police and was believed to still be in the Flin Flon, Creighton or Denare Beach areas.
Further details about the search, arrest or alleged crimes have not been released. Charges against Tardiff have not been announced by police and no allegations have been proven in court.
The search
Search efforts for Tardiff were centred around the Aspen Grove apartment complex in Flin Flon for several hours throughout Saturday. At 6 p.m. Saturday night, a Manitoba RCMP spokesperson confirmed to The Reminder that after area searches, Tardiff was not found at Aspen Grove and the pursuit of the suspect continues.
"Xander Tardiff was not located in the Aspen Grove area of Flin Flon. The Manitoba RCMP thanks residents for their understanding and collaboration during the search," reads a statement from Manitoba RCMP.
"Efforts continue to locate Tardiff. He is still considered to be armed & dangerous. If seen, do not approach & call 911 immediately."
Police presence in the Aspen Grove area had significantly reduced as of Saturday evening. Reports of increased police presence were also made in Denare Beach after nightfall Saturday night.
Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Manitoba RCMP had issued a statement advising people to avoid the Aspen Grove area, saying that the ongoing investigation had led to the east Flin Flon apartment complex.
RCMP also advised people to avoid sharing photos of the police presence online, saying doing so could jeopardize the safety of police on scene.
"Expect a heavy police presence as officers work to safely resolve the situation. Do not post or share photos of officers on social media," read a statement from RCMP asking the public to avoid the area.
