The suspect in the shooting of two RCMP officers has been found dead at a residence east of St. Albert.

Assistant Commissioner Marlin Degrand said the suspect’s death will be investigated by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team(ASIRT) however he added that no officers spoke to or fired at the suspect after he was contained to the home.

According to ASIRT the death was considered a “custody death”.

“The man’s death, having occurred while contained in a residence under the custody and control of police officers, is considered to be an in custody death, triggering the appolication of s 46.1 of the Police Act,” a written statement indicated.

“ASIRTS’s investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding the death of the man in the residence.”

RCMP will continue to investigate the shooting incident that injured two police officers, Const. David Wynn and Aux. Const. Derek Bond.

Degrand said that Wynn was in “grave” condition and Bond was stable but in serious condition.

Bond was released from hospital Saturday evening.

Degrand also said investigators were continuing to work on identifying the suspect.

The announcement comes nearly 12 hours after the initial shooting incident at the Apex casino in St. Albert.

Earlier on Saturday, Degrand confirmed that two RCMP officers were shot as they were investigating a vehicle theft complaint around 3 a.m.

“Two uniformed members of the RCMP were shot and wounded early this morning in an interaction with an individual at a casino just north of Edmonton,” he explained.

Degrand said the officers were inside the casino at the time they were shot.

He said the suspect fled the scene and police were attempting to locate him. He added the suspect had been considered armed and dangerous.

The president of the Edmonton Police Association said routine calls can quickly become something much more serious.

“We do some of these things so often we sometimes may fall into thinking this is an everyday occurrence but they can change really quickly, really rapidly,” Maurice Brodeur said.

“As police officers we never know what we’re walking into, and we know that, but things can go south very quickly as this one did.”

Resident Daryl Zelinski said he first realized something big was going on when he stepped out to get the morning paper.

“There were all these police cars just out front here. The tactical unit had the big truck and a lot of SUVs and that sort of things.

“We were in disbelief. There was an airplane and a helicopter that were hovering just about our house. It was surreal.”

He said that one of the officers explained to him what had happened and advised him to stay in his home.

“I was going to go for a run but the guy said, ‘No. Don’t go for a run. Stay inside and watch tv and just don’t go anywhere.’”

Zelinski said his family also found a way to show their support to the officers.

“My wife had an idea to bring them some sandwiches. So, she made up some grilled cheese sandwiches and we took them out,” he smiled.

St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse said there was a feeling of sadness for the RCMP and in a statement released midday on Saturday he offered thoughts and prayers to the injured officers and their families.

“We condemn violence of any kind. Attacking those who protect our lives and property is an attack on all residents,” he wrote in the statement.

In his statement, Premier Jim Prentice said he was shocked and saddened by the news.

“My thoughts are with their families as they pray for their husband, father and son. I know all Albertans stand in unity and gratitude alongside those impacted by the events earlier today as together we hope for the recovery of both officers.”

Alberta’s Solicitor General also issued a statement in response to the incident:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured officers and their families as they cope with this tragic event,” Jonathan Denis wrote.

“This incident stands as yet another reminder to us all of the real and present dangers our police officers and peace officers face every single day as they work to keep our communities safe.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent out his prayers via Twitter:

Canada's thoughts & prayers are with @RCMPAlberta officers today as they deal with an ongoing shooting investigation in the #StAlbert area. — Stephen Harper (@pmharper) January 17, 2015

The shootings are reminiscent of an incident in Moncton last year where three RCMP officers were killed.

Constables Dave Ross, Fabrice Gevaudan and Douglas Larche were shot and killed by Justin Bourque in June, 2014.

With files from Stewart Shaw, Nicole Weisberg, Susan Amerongen, Kelsey Nichols