Manitoba homicide suspect now also faces attempted murder investigation in Ontario - Action News
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Manitoba

Manitoba homicide suspect now also faces attempted murder investigation in Ontario

A Manitoba homicide suspect who led police on a days-long hunt that ended in Ontario a few days agois now facing attempted murder charges due to allegedly firing at Ontario Provincial Police officers ahead of his arrest.

Eric Wildman allegedly fired at Ontario Provincial Police officers during stand off prior to arrest

A close up of a man's face, showing his short, wavy reddish-blonde hair. He is smiling.
Eric Paul Wildman is considered a person of interest in the disappearance of his neighbour, Clifford Joseph. (Submitted by RCMP)

A Manitoba homicide suspect who led police on a days-long hunt that ended in Ontario a few days agois now facing attempted murder charges due to allegedly firing at Ontario Provincial Police officers beforehis arrest.

Eric Wildman was wanted in the disappearance of his neighbour Clifford Joseph, 40, who was last seen at his homein the rural municipality of St. Clements, Man., on June 7. Wildman was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

Various police agencies pursued him for days before he was found at a home in Belleville, Ont., on Friday morning. OPP officers executed a warrant at the home and were met with gunfire.They eventually arrested Wildman and one other person.

In a video posted to the Ontario Provincial Police Twitter account this weekend, Det.-Insp Brad Collins with the criminal investigation branch said due to the shooting OPP is now investigating theattempted murder of OPP officers involved in Wildman's arrest.

Wildman, 34, has already been charged with a series of offences by the RCMP, including unsafe transportation of a firearm and possession of a prohibited device without a licence. He has also been charged withtwo counts of failing to report the destruction of a prohibited firearm.

Wildman is in custody and scheduled to appear in court in Winnipeg on Wednesday.

A little over a week ago, police in Winnipeg recovered a vehicle of Wildman's. Police found guns inside, along with police tactical gear, police patches and other replica police clothing.

The RCMP is still investigating the disappearance of Joseph. Anyone with information that could help investigators can call 431-489-8551 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Secure tips can also be submitted online.