Pair still at large after shooting during break-in puts 75-year-old man in hospital

RCMP are looking for two people following a shooting in central New Brunswick on Sunday that left an elderly man seriously injured and residents upset about the force's failure to promptly inform residents about what happened.

"The biggest thing is the concern there was no Alert [Ready] that was sent out, and [residents] were wondering why this crime didn't meet the alert criteria," said Grand Lake Mayor Kevin Nicklin.

"I think the lack of communication is probably something that the police are going to have to tighten up with."

In a news release issued three days after the incident, the New Brunswick RCMP issued its first public communication about what happened on Sunday night.

The news release said officers responded at about 10:30 p.m. to a report that someone had been shot outside a home on Route 123 in Gaspereau Forks, which is part of the Municipality of Grand Lake, and located about 80 kilometres northeast of Fredericton.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the injured man, who was transported to hospital with what are believed to be serious but non life-threatening injuries.

"We believe that the two suspects were committing a break, enter and theft when the homeowner and the 75-year-old man arrived at the scene," Sgt. Mark Blakely said in the news release Wednesday.

"An altercation ensued and a firearm was discharged at the 75-year-old."

No Alert Ready message

The release said an Alert Ready message was not sent to the community because police believed the shooting was an isolated incident.

RCMP did not respond to a request for an interview for more information.

Nicklin said he trusts the RCMP knew best when it decided not to issue an Alert Ready, however, he still wants to meet with officials about why that choice was made and why it took so long for any details to be shared.

He said until Wednesday, details about what happened were traveling through the community by word of mouth, with residents left to speculate about what happened and whether their safety was at risk.

"When you do hear something catastrophic like this that happens, it creates a a level of anxiety," Nicklin said.

"I believe when there's a major crime or major incident, the public needs to understand whether or not there's an issue ... so I think the communication must be better right from the get-go."

Appeal for public's help

One of the culprits wore a mask and is described as a man with a medium build, the release said. No description of the second culprit was available, including whether this person was male or female.

Although the Mounties called the pair suspects, the release did not indicate that anyone had been identified as a suspect. 

The RCMP's news release originally included a photo from what appeared to be a surveillance camera, showing a black sedan that it said was involved in the incident.

The news release was republished shortly after, with any mention of the black sedan removed.

Anyone who has information about the pair who broke into the house, or the incident is asked to contact the New Brunswick RCMP at 888-506-7267, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.