BIG ISLAND LAKE CREE NATION — Update, Dec. 30, 5:08 p.m.: A dangerous persons alert for Big Island Lake Cree Nation and the surrounding area has been cancelled.
Saskatchewan RCMP is cancelling the dangerous persons alert issued this morning for Big Island Lake Cree Nation and the surrounding area.
At this time, investigators believe there is no longer an imminent risk to public safety. Residents can return to normal activity.
No arrests have been made. The suspects remain outstanding. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes are actively working to identify and locate them. If a renewed risk to public safety is identified, police say they will notify the public.
Police remain on the scene to investigate. Residents will notice an increased police presence on Big Island Lake Cree Nation for an undetermined amount of time.
Call 911 in emergencies, or report tips about this investigation by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Updates will be provided when available. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes continue to investigate.
Original post, Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.: A dangerous persons alert remains in effect for the Big Island Lake Cree Nation area following a fatal shooting.
Police are searching for two suspects in relation to the incident.
The RCMP held a press conference on Dec. 30 to provide an update.
On Dec. 30 at approximately 6 a.m., Pierceland RCMP received a report of a shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation. Officers responded immediately. At this time, one person is deceased and three additional people have been located injured.
A dangerous persons alert remains in effect as Saskatchewan RCMP work to determine whether the shooting was random or targeted in nature.
At 8:23 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP issued a dangerous persons alert for Big Island Lake Cree Nation and surrounding areas. The two suspects have not been located, and police continue active efforts to find them.
During the press conference, police confirmed the suspects were believed to be travelling on an ATV around the time of the incident.
“All day, Saskatchewan RCMP police officers have been actively searching for the two suspects,” said Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Branch.
“As we move through the day, the Saskatchewan RCMP will continue to assess the need to keep the dangerous persons alert active,” she added. “Some of the things we will be considering are the amount of time that has passed since the shooting, the shooting being contained to one location and the fact that no additional injured persons have been reported. We will ensure the public is kept up to date.”
Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call 911 or contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased and all those affected by this tragic incident,” St. Germaine said.
The dangerous persons alert remains active. Residents in Big Island Lake Cree Nation and surrounding areas are urged to find a safe location and remain there. Lock all doors. If you see the suspects, do not approach them. Call 911 with any information. Do not share police locations. Stay away from Big Island Lake Cree Nation if you are not already in the area.
