Police are saying thanks in the aftermath of the high-profile shooting of a police officer on Highway 1 this week.

"I want to take this time to thank everyone who has reached out from across the country to offer their words of support and condolences while we continue to investigate what led to the events that day," said Sgt. Betty Watson, commander of the RCMP's Golden-Field detachment.

On Tuesday, a female Mountie was shot at a police road check near Golden. The shooter then stole an SUV at gunpoint and fled toward Revelstoke. Police scouring the woods east of the city, found the body of the suspect, Sheldon Kyle Thunderblanket, Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, the police officer shot in Golden had reconstructive surgery on her hand and arm and is recovering.

After the shooting, Mounties closed the busy Trans-Canada Highway for hours.

"Specifically, I want to thank those motorists who patiently waited along the highway for investigators to process the scene. I can assure you that your safety was an absolute priority for us while we investigated," said Watson.

"I would also like to thank those community members in Golden who offered their thoughts of support, and have dropped off flowers and food. It’s things like this that remind us just how close this small community can be and makes all of us here proud to call Golden home."

Thunderblanket was wanted in connection with a murder and attempted murder in Saskatchewan.