Convicted killer Kenneth Michael Knutson charged with attempted murder of Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jean Rene Michaud

KENNETH Michael Knutson, 36, a convicted killer, has been charged with the attempted murder of Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jean Rene Michaud.

He also faces charges of aggravated assault of a peace officer, possession of a firearm while prohibited and discharging a firearm with intent to wound, maim, disfigure or endanger life.

Knutson has a history of firearms-related offences.

Michaud remains in intensive care. He underwent a second surgery on Thursday night and continues to recover at Royal Inland Hospital from the gunshot injuries he sustained.

On Wednesday (December 3) at 2:45 a.m., members of the Kamloops RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a white Chrysler Intrepid at Bachelor Drive and North River Drive when shots were fired. A member of the Kamloops RCMP suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. Officers exchanged gunfire but the suspect vehicle fled the scene.

An intensive search was conducted and police identified several suspects in connection with this event. The Kamloops RCMP carried out some evacuations of the affected area for public safety reasons.

The Independent Investigation Office is looking into the actions of the police officers involved.