By Laine Mitchell (Twitter: @Laine_Mitchell)

UPDATE: Mountie recovering following vehicle pursuit and shooting near Evansburg

Mar 29, 2018 | 11:25 PM

An RCMP member injured during a fatal shooting near Evansburg on Thursday remains in hospital but is recovering well and in good spirits.

That according to Evansburg RCMP who have identified the officer as Sergeant Brian Topham, Evansburg Detachment Commander.

Officials say he and his family are extremely appreciative of the support and concern that has been flooding in from colleagues and the public following the incident.

It began March 29 around 5:15 p.m.when Mounties spotted a vehicle associated with a Calgary Police Service homicide investigation.

However, the suspect vehicle failed to stop for police and a prolonged pursuit occured along Highway 16 between Evansburg and Entwistle.

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RCMP from several detachments became involved, including Evansburg, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Edson and Drayton Valley.

Eventually, while eastbound at Nojack, a spike belt successfully stopped the suspect vehicle at Highway 16 and 22 North but the lone occupant is alleged to have gotten out and immediately began firing a gun, striking and injuring an RCMP member.

Officers then returned fire, striking and fatally wounding the 21-year-old man. 

Reports indicate that male suspect was Adam Bettahar, a Calgary man wanted on a Canada wide warrant in connection with the death of 22-year-old Nadia El-Dib, whose body was found Sunday in the NE Calgary neighbourhood of Marlborough Park.

The incident has been referred to Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) which is mandated to investigate incidents involving serious injury or death that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer. 

ASIRT officials say an autopsy on the victim is scheduled for Tuesday.

Evansburg is approximately 45 kilometers north of Drayton Valley.