The suspect who shot a German tourist two weeks ago is still at large and the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch is asking the public to come forward with any tips they might have. Around 11:40 a.m. on Aug. 3, a black Dodge Durango carrying four German tourists was travelling east bound on Highway 1A when the driver was shot by someone in a dark coloured vehicle, sending them off road before crashing into trees. The incident occurred near the Good Stoney Rodeo. The suspect vehicle continued eastbound and has not been located. The victim was airlifted to hospital from the scene. A black Chrysler Sebring and male suspect taken into custody by RCMP the day after the shooting took place (Aug. 4) are now ruled out from the investigation. "We're still looking at all avenues," said Cpl. Curtis Peters. Prior to the shooting, Peters said RCMP can confirm the German family had drove to the Nakoda Lodge and then north on a gravel road on the Stoney Nakoda Nation reserve land known as "Branch Road" by community members. RCMP are asking anyone in the area on that day between morning and noon to come forward. Police are looking for witnesses or anyone with potential dash cam footage of the events leading up to or after the incident. This investigation is being led by the RCMP K-Division Serious Crimes Branch General Investigation Section with assistance of Cochrane detachment and several other RCMP units and detachments. A search of the area has been completed by the RCMP Special Tactical Operations team. In previous reports it was stated that both the victim and suspect vehicles had been travelling westbound. Investigators clarified that both vehicles were eastbound when the shot was fired. At this time, RCMP said the case of a mistaken identity is still on the table as a possible avenue to investigate, among various others. Currently, there are no clues signalling a conflict to indicate road rage, which was the RCMP's initial conclusion. Peters said there isn't a definitive description of the suspect or suspects in the vehicle from which the gun was shot. The 60-year-old male victim has recently been flown home to Germany along with his family. He is showing symptoms of severe and life-changing injuries, according to Hubertus Liebrecht, the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, "He is not able to talk or move his right side. The doctors were not able to remove the bullet from his brain, as they would have to cause further damage," read a post on GoFundMe by Liebrecht, who created it as a private person. The man was taken on a special aircraft, where he will be further treated in a hospital specializing in brain injuries. "His wife, having left Canada as well, wants to express her sincere gratitude to all who helped the family so impressively in so many different ways. Now a very long road to recovery will begin with an unknown outcome," ___ said. I trust I am speaking on all of your behalf as well, wishing them all the strength for the days ahead and hoping that we will welcome them back in Alberta one day, where they have extended family and all of you as their new friends. Thank you all again, so very much, for your support."
In total $13,435 was raised by the time the fundraiser wrapped up.
A tip line has been established for potential witnesses to contact the investigative team Information can be shared by calling the Tip-Line at 1-844-887-6287. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.
