Shots fired at police by man behaving erratically

Trail and Greater District

2022-10-26 15:42 PDT

File # 2022-4904

On October 25, 2022, at 11:48 p.m. two frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officers responded to a 29-year-old man from Quebec, who was behaving erratically and attempted to enter the Trail Ambulance Station in the 1100 block of Hospital Bench Road, in Trail, BC.

The two RCMP officers located the man standing in a dark area just outside of the ambulance station. As the officers engaged in verbal de-escalation with the man, he allegedly fired several rounds from a handgun at the two officers and three nearby paramedics.

The officers utilized a conducted energy weapon to physically subdue the man. The officers took the man into custody without further incident. No one was injured during this event.

The 29-year-old Quebec man has been remanded on several firearms charges until his first appearance by video in Rossland Provincial Court on November 2, 2022.

Trail and Greater District RCMP continue to investigate the incident and will be recommending additional criminal charges including Attempted Murder contrary to Section 239 of the Criminal Code to BC Prosecution Services.

I am thankful that no one was hurt or killed in this incident. I would like to commend the bravery of the officers and paramedics who risk their lives and safety in the line of duty during a potentially deadly situation. - Sgt. Wicentowich

Update - accused enters guilty plea to shooting at two Trail RCMP officers

On April 25th, 2023, the accused, Francis Paradis, entered guilty pleas to the below charges and received a total of 19 years in sentencing after he appeared by video before Provincial Court Judge W.G. Sheard. Mr. Paradis will spend approximately six years in jail as his sentences will be served concurrently.

Count 1, on or about October 25, 2022, at or near Trail BC, did commit an offence of using a restricted or prohibited firearm/criminal organization, contrary to section 244(2)(a) Criminal Code. Sentence: Jail: 5 Year(s) 93 Day(s) [Jail Term that would have been imposed before Credit Granted: 6 Year(s) ; Actual Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 181 Day(s) ; Credited Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 272 Day(s) ; ]; Victim Surcharge Exempt; Prohibition, Firearms, Mandatory: Lifetime; Forfeiture; DNA Order Primary;

Count 3, on or about October 25, 2022, at or near Trail BC, did commit an offence of using a restricted or prohibited firearm/criminal organization, contrary to section 244(2)(a) Criminal Code. Sentence: Prohibition, Firearms, Mandatory: Lifetime; Victim Surcharge Exempt; Forfeiture; DNA Order Primary; Jail: 5 Year(s) 93 Day(s) [Jail Term that would have been imposed before Credit Granted: 6 Year(s) ; Actual Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 181 Day(s) ; Credited Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 272 Day(s) ; ];

Count 4, on or about October 25, 2022, at or near Trail BC, did commit an offence of possessing firearm, crossbow, prohibited weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive while prohibited, contrary to section 117.01(1) Criminal Code. Sentence: DNA Order Primary; Forfeiture; Prohibition, Firearms, Mandatory: Lifetime; Jail: 5 Year(s) 93 Day(s) [Jail Term that would have been imposed before Credit Granted: 2 Year(s) ; Actual Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 181 Day(s) ; Credited Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 272 Day(s) ; ]; Victim Surcharge Exempt;

Count 5, on or about October 25, 2022, at or near Trail BC, did commit an offence of Loaded/unloaded w/ammo prohib/restricted firearm, contrary to section 95(1) Criminal Code. Sentence: Prohibition, Firearms, Mandatory: Lifetime; Forfeiture; DNA Order Primary; Victim Surcharge Exempt; Jail: 5 Year(s) 93 Day(s) [Jail Term that would have been imposed before Credit Granted: 5 Year(s) ; Actual Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 181 Day(s) ; Credited Pre-Sentence Time in Custody: 272 Day(s) ; ];

Judge Sheard addressed the court and stated that part of the consideration for Mr. Paradis sentencing included factors like maintaining law, peace and order through the denunciation of violence against police.

"I believe that the sentence reflects that denunciation," says Sergeant Mike Wicentowich. 

"My officers put themselves in harm’s way to maintain public peace and safety and uphold the law. Our EHS partners are dedicated to saving lives through their daily efforts. Sometimes the police and their partners end up facing much more that they expected as in this case. This event was traumatic for all involved. This was a close as call as it could be and a small miracle that no one was injured. The officers and paramedics are recovering and taking the right steps in processing and moving forward. It is never a straight line but we are all here as a community to support them. Trail and Greater District is a wonderful place to be a first responder, as we feel fully supported by our community and partners. It does make a difference when someone on the street expresses their gratitude for our work. We are ready to move on from this incident with yesterday’s results and will continue to serve to the very best of our ability." 

Released by

Cpl. James Grandy

District Advisory NCO (Media Relations)
Southeast District
Office: 250-460-2398

Email: james.grandy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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