Charges laid after multiple arrests in Big Island incident

Two men are facing charges after Pierceland RCMP took 15 people into custody following an incident on Big Island Lake Cree Nation Wednesday.

Police answered a firearms complaint at a home in the community around 5 a.m.

A man and a girl were found outside the house and were subsequently arrested.

Two others, Conroy Keesaynew and Zachary Worm, were believed to be inside the home. The pair had outstanding warrants for previous weapons-related offences. 

For this reason, and because a number of children were reported in the house, RCMP surrounded the home. As a precaution, the local school was closed for the day.

Around 1 p.m., eight adults were arrested without incident.

An additional three adults and two youths were also arrested at a second residence. In total, 15 people were taken into custody, but eight were released shortly after.

Six children, all under the age of 10, were found unharmed in the first home.

Conroy Keesaynew, 38, is charged with several offences including assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property. 

Zachary Worm, 31, is charged with several offences including assault with a weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm, and disguise with intent.

Both are scheduled to appear in court in Loon Lake this afternoon.

Big Island Lake Cree Nation is located around 103 kilometres northeast of Meadow Lake.