Janson Bryan Baker. (Image: New Brunswick RCMP)
The search for 24-year-old Janson Bryan Baker has ended peacefully.
RCMP confirming Wednesday that Baker was arrested ‘without incident’ after police located Baker’s abandoned vehicle earlier in the morning, shortly after 8am in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Notification of Baker’s arrest came first from RCMP in Nova Scotia at Noon Wednesday via Twitter, stating Baker was now in custody.
Baker was at the centre of a manhunt following a shooting incident which began in Riverview, NB roughly 19 hours prior to his arrest.
Two emergency alert ready messages went out on TV’s, radios and other electronic devices in New Brunswick Tuesday night between 11:30pm and midnight.
At around 5:15pm the same day, members of the Codiac Regional RCMP responded to a shooting incident outside Riverview High School.
A 35-year-old man who was leaving the school was approached by an unknown man, who demanded that he hand over the bag he was carrying.
The suspect produced a firearm and discharged it towards the man. The victim remains in hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials with Riverview High School have confirmed that the victim in this incident was a teacher.
A statement issued to parents and students Wednesday afternoon says, “The victims of this violence are teachers here at Riverview High School. Although only one teacher was injured, other teachers were there as it happened or helped respond while waiting for emergency services. The injured teacher and their family want you to know they appreciate the overwhelming support from the community. As much as they are grateful for the care and concern, they are also hopeful that people can respect their privacy, particularly on social media which can sometimes contribute to misinformation. The teacher did ask us to let you know that he is doing well and that his surgery last night was a success. He is recovering in the hospital, feeling in good spirits and looking forward to returning to RHS. Our thoughts continue to be with all the victims and their families.”
“The New Brunswick RCMP would like to thank the public for their attention and cooperation during this serious incident, as well as the Nova Scotia RCMP and the Amherst Police Department for their assistance,” says RCMP NB Constable Hans Ouellette.
The suspect remains in custody and will be brought back to New Brunswick, where he will be scheduled to appear in court.
All area schools in Anglophone East and Francophone South schools in Moncton, Dieppe and Memramcook were closed Wednesday due to the police investigation. Students from Riverview High School will be learning virtually from home on Thursday.
