Police are on scene at the court house after two gunmen opened fire on a sheriff in the building before fleeing in Whitecourt, Alta., on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. The suspects were apprehended shortly after. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency
EDMONTON -- An Alberta sheriff shot in the hand Tuesday by a prisoner at the courthouse in Whitecourt is shaken, but in good spirits.
"He's happy that his conditions are not life-threatening. It looks like he's going to be OK, but at the same time he's very shaken up," said Alberta Justice Minister Jonathon Denis, who spoke Wednesday with the wounded sheriff who's at the University hospital.
"I've advised him to take as much time as he needs."
It was around 11:30 a.m. when gunfire erupted in the courthouse during a regular docket court day. Witnesses reported hearing a scuffle in the back room where the prisoners are held, followed by several gunshots.
One bullet struck the sheriff's hand. He was seen being wheeled into an ambulance, grimacing in pain, his hand covered with blood.
