An RCMP officer involved in Wednesday night’s shooting in Porter Creek remains in hospital in critical but stable condition, says Scott Sheppard, the commanding officer for the Yukon RCMP’s M Division.

The suspect, Sheldon Lawrence Keobke, 35, of Whitehorse, also remains in hospital with serious injuries. He has been transferred to a medical facility outside the territory.

The incident occurred at the house located at the corner of Centennial Street and 14th Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. The corner lot remained surrounded by police tape this morning, with police vehicles posted outside.

The officer was shot during the pursuit of Keobke, as was Keobke.

Officers immediately transitioned to providing emergency medical procedures to both men.

Sheppard provided a lengthy statement to the media Thursday afternoon but acknowledged he would not be able to answer questions because the investigation is ongoing.

The commanding officer, for instance, said he could not say who shot first, as that will be determined by the investigation.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been engaged by the Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation. Team members were en route to the territory yesterday.

The arrest involved several branches of the M Division as well as officers from B.C. and the Northwest Territories.

Sheppard said Keobke has been known to police for a long time but they were unsuccessful in apprehending him over several weeks for allegedly breaching a court order.

Police also believed him to be armed, and a high-risk, prolific offender, he said.

At one traffic stop, Sheppard explained, Keobke bolted from the scene in his vehicle at a high speed.

Officers did not pursue because they did not want to create any danger that might arise from a high-speed chase.

On Wednesday evening in Porter Creek, “when police officers approached Mr. Keobke to arrest him, he fled on foot and approached another officer conducting perimeter security in the area,” Sheppard told reporters during Thursday’s press conference at RCMP headquarters.

“At this time, an incident occurred, and as a result, an officer of the Yukon RCMP was shot and sustained serious injuries. The subject was also shot and sustained serious injuries.

“The subject was taken into custody and members of the Emergency Response Team immediately provided lifesaving first aid to both the injured officer and the subject. Both were then transported to the Whitehorse General Hospital where they received medical care.

“Several other people at the residence in Porter Creek where the warrant had been executed were also taken into custody. They were subsequently released without charges.”

• Keobke has been charged with:

• Failing to comply with a release order condition;

• Resisting or obstructing a police officer;

• Attempted murder with a firearm;

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;

• Unauthorized possession of a restricted weapon;

• Weapons possession contrary to an order; and

• Possession of a loaded restricted weapon.

Sheppard did not disclose the type of firearm Keobke had in his possession. but handguns are restricted weapons, just as sawed-off shotguns are restricted weapons.

“The injuries experienced by the police officer are serious,” Sheppard said.

“He is receiving medical attention as well, with his family by his side. Our thoughts are with the officer and his family.

“Resources are in place to also support the mental health and well-being of this officer and other police officers and RCMP employees involved in this shooting.”

Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee emphasized in a statement Thursday afternoon that her government supports the RCMP and the important work they do.

“I express my sincere thanks to all members of the RCMP M Division and the officers from British Columbia and Northwest Territories for their professionalism and dedication during the critical incident,” the minister said.

McPhee was in the room Thursday to observe the press conference but did not say anything.

She noted in her statement the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team independently and objectively investigates incidents involving police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person.

Sheppard said because Keobke was noted as a high-risk offender, and was believed to be armed, M Division invoked its critical incident program to facilitate the arrest.

The critical incident program included resources from the Yukon Emergency Response Team, Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Federal Investigations Unit, Police Dog Section and the Whitehorse Detachment.

Emergency Response Team officers from the Northwest Territories and British Columbia also attended to provide support.

Sheppard declined to get into the specific details of the arrest.

At the time, or shortly after the shooting, for instance, two RCMP vehicles were parked on Pine Street, several blocks from Centennial and 14th.

“I would like to thank the RCMP officers and employees from British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon for their professionalism and dedication,” said Sheppard.

“I am very proud to get to work with all of you. Please bear with us over the coming days, as this investigation is ongoing, and there may be a delay in our ability to respond, depending on the seriousness of the call.

“To report any incident that requires urgent/emergency attendance by police, please call 911.

“At this point, the crime scenes have been secured and evidence is being collected. The Yukon RCMP Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation, and will be assisted by Whitehorse RCMP Detachment, the Federal Investigations Unit, the Forensic Identification Unit, and B.C. RCMP Major Crimes.

“All of our available resources will continue ensuring public safety as we follow up on this investigation and provide policing services to Whitehorse and the Yukon.”

A Whitehorse RCMP officer was last shot in the 1990s, during an incident in Marwell. His injuries were not fatal.