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The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a suspect who fled police near Whitecourt on Tuesday was later found dead.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., RCMP said there was a heavy police presence along Highway 43 west of Whitecourt, near Chickadee Creek.

“The area surrounding a rest area is contained in search of a suspect who fled from police,” RCMP said in a media release.

“The situation is being contained and a large police presence is on scene to ensure public safety.” Tweet This

RCMP later said an officer fired their gun after a confrontation occurred when police tried to stop a vehicle on Highway 43.

The suspect was later found dead, RCMP said in a media release on Tuesday evening. The man’s identity has not been released.

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ASIRT has been directed to investigate an incident involving @RCMPAlberta near Whitecourt. No further details at this time. — ASIRT (@ASIRT_AB) July 3, 2018

Police did not say what the suspect was wanted for.

People were asked to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., RCMP said the incident had concluded and the highway was once again open to traffic. RCMP would not release further details about the investigation.

Whitecourt is located about 180 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.