Manhunt ongoing for suspect in wildlife officer assault

[Tony Cooney]

A search is underway for a man who allegedly assaulted a provincial fish and wildlife enforcement officer at Salmon Cove Pond on Wednesday morning, while he was investigating a poaching complaint.

The suspect was on an ATV when the officer approached him around 8:30 a.m. That’s when the alleged assault took place.

The officer was dragged behind the ATV for a distance. It’s not yet clear how far.

The wildlife officer was taken to hospital and treated, and has been since released.

He was back at the scene Wednesday afternoon with another wildlife officer and members of the RCMP.

Officers are canvassing the community, and have a photograph of the suspect.

The police say the suspect was driving a red ATV, and was wearing jeans, a dark shirt and a black helmet.

A child was riding as a passenger on the all-terrain vehicle, the RCMP say.

Police say that child appeared to have been hit during the altercation.

Surveillance at the scene began Tuesday after officers learned poachers' nets were in the area.

[Tony Cooney]

Arrest made in wildlife officer assault case