Manitoba RCMP say murder suspect Eric Wildman has been arrested.
Mounties say on June 18th, at approximately 5:30 am (Central time), Eric Wildman was taken into custody by the Ontario Provincial Police at a residence just outside Belleville, Ontario. RCMP say “We would like to thank the media and the public for their incredible support and assistance throughout this search. Further updates to be provided later this morning.”
On Thursday, RCMP from across southern Manitoba as well as specialized units including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Critical Incident Command, Air Services, Major Crime Services and the Ontario Provincial Police, searched the Whiteshell for Wildman.
Police said last week Wildman was a suspect in the murder of 40-year-old Clifford Joseph of the RM of St. Clements, north of Winnipeg, who was reported missing on June 7th.
On June 11, 2021, RCMP investigators had enough evidence to determine that Joseph’s disappearance was suspicious in nature. RCMP Major Crime Services took the lead on the investigation. Further investigation led officers to determine that Eric Paul Wildman, 34, from the RM of St. Clements was a person of interest in the disappearance of Joseph and put out a request to the public and the media for assistance.
On June 11, 2021, Wildman’s vehicle was recovered. A search warrant was obtained, and the vehicle was searched on June 13, 2021. During that search, officers found firearms, police tactical equipment, police patches, and other items resembling police clothing. It is undetermined whether Wildman has any additional police-related clothing or equipment, or firearms. He was formally charged with Unsafe Transportation of a Firearm and Possession of a Prohibited Device without a Licence, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on those charges.
RCMP investigators further determined from the evidence that Wildman was a suspect in the homicide of Joseph.
