Bicknell faces further charges for RCMP shootout

Multiple charges were laid on March 24, 2011 in respect to the arrest of William Bicknell near Sexsmith on March 19, 2011. Bicknell was arrested after a police chase that ended in a shootout involving three RCMP officers. One RCMP officer sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident. It is yet to be determined if these injuries resulted from shots fired or from shrapnel. More than one of the RCMP vehicles involved was hit multiple times by shots fired by Bicknell during the incident. Police seized a cache of firearms and ammunition from Bicknell’s vehicle. Bicknell remains in hospital where he is being treated for injuries sustained before his arrest. “These officers displayed amazing courage in their efforts to arrest Bicknell, who shot at them many times, ” said Chief Superintendent Marianne Ryan, Criminal Operations Officer of “K” Division RCMP. “ Our investigation of this incident indicates that these officers performed their duties under heavy fire and put their personal safety at considerable risk to protect the citizens of Alberta from this dangerous fugitive. We are very thankful that the officers involved were not killed or seriously injured during this incident.”

William Bicknell, 42 years of age has been charged under the Criminal Code with the following:

Break and enter a dwelling house
Unlawful confinement
Unlawful confinement with a firearm
Point a firearm
Robbery with a firearm
Discharge a firearm with intent to endanger life x 5
Flight from peace officer
Attempt murder x 3
Possess a prohibited weapon x 2
Unauthorized possession of a weapon x 6

William Bicknell's court date is pending.
Below are the circumstances as Police know to date which provide a general overview of the incident. The ongoing investigation limits the RCMP’s ability to provide more information at this point.