ABC News April 19, 2020

16 dead, including police officer, in deadliest shooting in Canadian history

WATCH: 16 dead in Nova Scotia shooting rampage

Sixteen people, including a police officer, are dead in Nova Scotia following the worst shooting rampage in Canadian history, police said.

The number of dead was confirmed to the Associated Press by a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The suspect, identified as Gabriel Wortman, 51, is "deceased," the RCMP said Sunday evening.

Authorities initially said Wortman had been taken into custody on Sunday, "after a pursuit throughout the Canadian province."

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Nova Scotia police have suspect Gabriel Wortman in custody.

Officers responding to calls of multiple shootings Saturday in the rural town of Portapique found several casualties in and outside a home, according to the police. A "chaotic scene" ensued, RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said during a press briefing Sunday.

MORE: Texas police officer shot and killed, 2 others injured after domestic disturbance

RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson was killed in the overnight shootings, the RCMP reported. Another officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

RCMP, Nova Scotia
Cst. Heidi Stevenson of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The suspect is believed to have operated alone and carried out homicides throughout the province, police said.

A search for the suspect went into the morning. Wortman was believed to be wearing a police uniform and driving a vehicle that was made to appear like a police cruiser, but he was not employed by the RCMP, according to police.

During the pursuit, Wortman was later seen driving a silver Chevy Tracker, police said.

Wortman was arrested at a gas station in Enfield, Nova Scotia, according to The Associated Press.

Tim Krochak/The Canadian Press via AP
Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers prepare to take a suspect into custody at a gas station in Enfield, Nova Scotia, April 19, 2020.

"My heart goes out to everyone affected in what is a terrible situation," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said outside his Ontario home Sunday. "I want to thank the police for their hard work, and people for cooperating with authorities."