The city of Moncton, New Brunswick remains on high alert as police search for a gunman who went on a shooting rampage Wednesday evening, killing three RCMP officers and wounding two others.

Codiac RCMP
Codiac RCMP
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Moncton area schools and many businesses and offices are closed Thursday, bus service has stopped, and residents on the city's north side are urged to stay inside with their doors locked. RCMP say the suspect, 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton is armed and extremely dangerous.

Bourque is believed to be carrying high-powered rifles, a crossbow and a knife and is wearing camouflage clothing. He is described as about 5’10" tall, 180 lbs, with brown shoulder length hair with some facial hair.

Officials were asking people to refrain from posting details of police locations on social media to avoid tipping off the suspect.

Moncton's mayor George LeBlanc called the fatal shootings an "unimaginable tragedy" and offered his support to the families of the officers who were killed and injured.  RCMP Constable Damien Theriault fought back tears at the media briefing when asked how officers were balancing their grief and the difficult task of searching for the suspect in the dark. Theriault said the officers are professionals and will ensure the security of the public.

The two wounded officers were listed in stable condition at the Moncton Hospital Thursday morning.

New Brunswick Premier David Alward offered his thoughts and prayers to those all those affected by the shooting, saying he was "shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic situation in Moncton."

Information from Canadian Press.

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