RCMP say they are searching for two armed suspects following a deadly shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation in western Saskatchewan.
Police lifted a dangerous person alert that had been issued earlier on Dec. 30 after one person was killed and three injured in the incident in Big Island Lake Cree Nation.
“At this time, investigators believe there is no longer an imminent risk to public safety. Residents can return to normal activity,” RCMP said in the afternoon of Dec. 30. “No arrests have been made. The suspects remain outstanding.”
Police said one individual was found dead and three more injured early on the morning of Dec. 30. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Neil Wahpistikwan by Big Island Lake Cree Nation band manager and head of security Geoff Sandfly.
Sandfly said that the community is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, particularly of crystal meth, as well as high unemployment and gang activity. Although there has been an improvement in recent years due to police intervention and efforts from the community, he said significant problems still remain.
Sandfly said he believes the suspects are being harboured by somebody on the reserve.
Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Branch, said on Dec. 30 that the whereabouts of the suspects remains unknown but there is no indication of further incidents linked to the Dec. 30 shooting.
“From our investigation, we don’t have any indication of further ongoing incidents in relation to this shooting this morning,” St. Germaine told reporters at an online press briefing.
She said police believe the shooting occurred at one outdoor location on the reserve and are investigating any potential video footage to try to identify the suspects. There are 218 live cameras on reserve, according to Sandfly.
St. Germaine said investigators from the Major Crimes Branch travelled from Saskatoon to join duty officers already on scene, and added that Major Crimes Unit is being assisted by the Forensic Identification Section from the Saskatchewan RCMP, as well as the provincial general investigation sections of North Battleford and Prince Albert.
She added that the health status of the injured victims cannot be shared at this time, nor whether they have been hospitalized.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe commented on the incident on social media, offering condolences to the community.
“Our thoughts are with the community and all those affected. We thank the first responders for their efforts under difficult and evolving circumstances,” he said on Dec. 30.
Big Island Lake Cree Nation is located approximately 100 kilometres west of the city of Meadow Lake, Sask., and some 400 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.
