Police in northern Alberta said an incident with officers and a gunman in St. Paul escalated Friday evening, leaving three RCMP officers injured, and the gunman reportedly dead.

Initial reports suggest the incident unfolded at about 6 p.m., involving RCMP officers and a man in a pickup truck – witnesses told CTV News several shots were fired as the vehicles drove.

RCMP said shots were heard outside of the RCMP detachment that evening, and officers went outside and saw a black pickup speeding away – and was seen speeding down 50 Avenue, police said it appeared the truck intentionally rammed a police vehicle.

The officer that was in the vehicle was pinned, and RCMP said he had to be extricated and was airlifted to hospital.

After that, shots were fired by police and by the male who had been driving the truck – during this incident, one RCMP member was hit by a bullet in the hand, the officer was airlifted to hospital in Edmonton, but was released at about midnight.

Another officer was also injured after getting hit by shattered glass during the exchange – was taken to hospital in St. Paul.

The gunman was killed.

Investigators said officers were dealing with multiple scenes, with a number of rounds fired – officers recovered several weapons from the truck.

Late Friday evening, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis released a statement in response to the developing incident:

“The terrible events this evening in St. Paul are a reminder of the very real dangers faced by law enforcement, as they put themselves at risk in the line of duty to protect and serve Albertans.

“I am also grateful to the many personnel who responded on scene, for their assistance.

“On behalf of Premier Hancock, and all Albertans, I extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone and their families affected by this serious incident.”

Police said emergency crews received a call of a person in distress a short time after the initial call was made – that individual was taken to hospital and pronounced dead – but investigators said it wasn’t clear if that death was related to the confrontation.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call RCMP, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

With files from Amanda Anderson

UPDATE (23/05/14): The ASIRT investigation determined the gunman, identified as John Quadros, took his own life during the incident.