Fredericton police have identified two police officers who were among four people killed in a shooting today in a residential area on the city's north side.
Police Chief Leanne Fitch says the victims include Constables Robb Costello and Sara Burns and two civilians - a man and a woman - who remain unidentified.
Fitch told an afternoon news conference that ``this is the worst moment for any chief of police in any police agency to have to deliver this news.
The local health authority says Fredericton hospital, Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional, is treating multiple victims of the shooting.
Police say they have a 48-year-old Fredericton man in custody who was being treated for serious injuries. They would not reveal what kind of firearm was used.
Jackie McLean, Costello's common-law partner, says the 45-year-old loved being a police officer and is the only cop she's ever known who could write someone a ticket and have the person thank them after.
She says Costello always said to her that it did not matter what happened, that he would always come home -- ``but this is the first day that he has not come home.''
The shooting began at about 7 a.m. at an apartment complex on Brookside Drive.
Tim Morehouse, a resident of the neighbourhood, says he heard two gunshots, and then three more.
He says he heard more shots and looked out to see two police officers on the ground.
A memorial of flowers and messages is growing in front of the Fredericton police station.
Among the messages: ``We love you our brothers and sisters in blue! Thank you for ALL that you do!''
Another read: ``Fredericton Police Force, your city has your back!''
Earlier in the morning, police were asking people in the area to stay inside with their doors locked, and not to post information on social media about the position or activities of police.
New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant tweeted his condolences to the victims and their families.
MacCoubrey said police have been searching the buildings and went through his apartment.
The shooter is in police custody and is also being treated in hospital for injuries.
- with a file from Siobhan Morris and Jackie Rosen