“K” Division RCMP Express Relief Over Arrest in Killam Incident

RCMP news release

RCMP arrested Sawyer Clarke Robison, age 27, without incident at about 5 a.m. this morning at a rural location, approximately 20 kms southeast of Killam. He faces two charges of attempted murder in the shootings of Constable Sidney Gaudette, and Constable Sheldon Shah on February 7, 2012, at a residence near Killam, Alberta earlier this week. Robison is now in RCMP custody, and will make a Judicial Interim Review (JIR) within 24 hours of his arrest. His first court appearance is expected next week. The location of that appearance has not been determined.


“We are extremely relieved that this situation has been resolved without any further harm to our members or the community. We can now focus our efforts on the criminal investigation, and supporting Constable Shah and Constable Gaudette in their recoveries, “ said Assistant Commissioner Marianne Ryan, Acting Commanding Officer of “K” Division RCMP. “We are extremely grateful for the public support we have received over the past few days, and would like to thank the citizens of the Killam area in particular, for their support under these difficult circumstances.”

Robison did not suffer any injuries during the arrest. He was in a vehicle with two other persons when arrested. Their identity will not be released at this time. The search for the black Silverado police believe he may have been driving is ongoing. The weapons police believe he may have had in his possession are still unaccounted for. Police believe a public plea made yesterday by Robison’s parents played a role in resolving this incident peacefully.

Other details surrounding the arrest will not be released until investigators can determine if doing so will impact the integrity of the ongoing RCMP criminal investigation or the independent investigation of the police involved shooting that is currently underway by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT).

 A/Commr. Ryan thanked all of the Alberta law enforcement agencies for their offers of assistant to “K” Division RCMP. She also thanked the emergency responders and medical staff whose efforts have contributed to the ongoing recoveries of the wounded members. She also acknowledged the impact of the Killam incident on the entire law enforcement community and the families who support them.

“This has been a tough week for the members of the law enforcement community across Canada who each day don their badges and enter uncertain situations, to ensure the peace and order in the communities they serve. Their families too live with this risk,” said A/Commr. Ryan. "To those who make the choice to serve, and to the families who support them, we are deeply in your debt.”