A man accused of murder in Manitoba, who police believe may be armed and dangerous, is thought to be travelling through western Canada and is likely on his way to British Columbia.
Russell Gordon McDiarmid, 51, was charged Friday with second-degree murder in the death of Nancy Swenty, 33, of Fisher Branch, Man., which is about 140 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
Although charged, McDiarmid had not been arrested and police said Friday they think he may be headed to his home in B.C. in a stolen pickup truck.
"RCMP have now a confirmed sighting of Russell McDiarmid at a Saskatoon hospital," police said Saturday.
They said the man was seen late Thursday night in the Saskatchewan city, about 635 kilometres from Fisher Branch.
"Based on that information, RCMP believe that he may be heading to B.C., possibly in a stolen 2006 Ford Ranger pickup truck."
Police said the truck is grey.
"Anyone that sees him or has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact their local police," they added. "He may be armed, do not approach him, call police."
Police were not releasing information about what McDiarmid was doing at the hospital in Saskatoon, in order to protect the integrity of their investigation, they said.
Police have not said how Swenty died.
She was reported missing from Fisher Branch on July 28.
Her car was found three days later and her body was recovered Aug. 29 near Poplarfield, Man., about 25 kilometres from her home.
This is the second time police have sought McDiarmid in the Swenty case.
Shortly after her disappearance, police issued a news release saying they believed Swenty might be travelling to B.C. with McDiarmid and they asked the public to help find them.
RCMP later located McDiarmid but did not find Swenty with him.
Police said McDiarmid was not a suspect in the case at that time.
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