RCMP searching for 'armed & dangerous' suspected killer in Manitoba potentially wearing police clothing

Royal Canadian Mounted Police are searching for a man wanted in connection to the disappearance and killing of a St. Clements man earlier this month, police state.

Eric Paul Wildman, a 34-year-old man from the Rural Municipality of St. Clements, is wanted in connection to the early June disappearance of 40-year-old Clifford Joseph, also of St. Clements.

Police consider Wildman to be armed & dangerous, and is still at large. He was last seen in Winnipeg’s East Kildonan area, but RCMP are searching throughout southern Manitoba.

Polcie believe Wildman may be driving a 2020 Chevy Equinox, grey in color, with MB plate KGE 368.

On June 7, 2021, Selkirk RCMP received a report that Joseph was missing. Joseph’s 1997 Ford Ranger was found abandoned off Road 44 East later that day.

The RCMP Search and Rescue team was unable to locate Joseph in a search of the area where his car was abandoned.

On June 11, RCMP Major Crime Services took over the investigation after RCMP investigators determines that Joseph’s disappearance was "suspicious in nature."

Wildman’s vehicle was discovered that same day, and was searched under a warrant on June 13.

Police discovered "firearms, police tactical equipment, police patches, and other items resembling police clothing" in Wildman’s vehicle.

According to an RCMP news release, " He was formally charged with Unsafe Transportation of a Firearm and Possession of a Prohibited Device without a Licence. There is a warrant for his arrest on those charges."

"RCMP investigators further determined from the evidence that Wildman is a suspect in the homicide of Joseph," the statement continues.

As of June 15, Police are still searching a rural property in St. Clements, and have requested that media not attend the area due to the dangerous nature of the suspect.

"An investigation is ever evolving, we follow where the evidence leads us and update the public with the most accurate information we have" said Superintendent Michael Koppang, Officer in Charge of RCMP Major Crime Services. "At this time, we consider Eric Wildman to be dangerous and potentially armed. Our officers across southern Manitoba are trying to locate him and we are also working closely with the Winnipeg Police Service as he was last seen in the East Kildonan area. This situation continues to change, and we are committed to keeping the public informed of any developments."