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The Saskatchewan RCMP is asking witnesses to come forward as officers continue to investigate a fatal shooting on a First Nation northwest of Meadow Lake.
So far, no arrests have been made.
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On the morning of Dec. 30, officers were called to the Big Island Lake Cree Nation where they found a 31-year-old man dead and three other people injured. Police issued a dangerous person alert, warning residents to stay inside and saying two armed men were last seen riding an ATV in the community.
The alert was cancelled the same day, with the RCMP saying police no longer believed there was a threat to public safety, despite officers not making any arrests.
“Public safety decisions are never taken lightly. When we decided to cancel the dangerous persons alert, we considered several factors, including the amount of time that had passed since the shooting, that the incident was contained to one location, and that no additional victims were found,” RCMP inspector Ashley St. Germaine said in a statement.
Police said no update on the condition of the surviving shooting victims can be shared due to privacy concerns.
“We are not able give a further update on the condition of the hospitalized victims as that would be considered their personal health information,” the RCMP said.
On Friday, police were called to the Big Island Lake Cree Nation once again after additional gunfire was reported.
“Investigation has determined that shots were fired and bullets struck multiple residences on Big Island Lake Cree Nation. No individuals reported injuries to police,” the Saskatchewan RCMP said in a statement.
“Currently, investigators have not determined if these incidents are connected.”
Police said both shootings remain under investigation, and urged any members of the public who witnessed either shooting to come forward.
“If you saw something, say something,” St. Germaine said.
“While investigators continue to collect and analyze evidence, including video surveillance, eyewitness accounts will be key to providing answers to the victims and their families.”
Big Island Lake Cree Nation Chief David Sandfly also encouraged witnesses to speak up.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy in our community,” Sandfly said, quoted in an RCMP statement.
“Keeping Big Island Lake Cree Nation safe takes all of us working together. When you share what you know with police, you help keep our community safe. Our leadership urges anyone with information about this shooting to contact RCMP immediately – even the smallest detail could make a difference.”
Anyone with information on the case was encouraged to contact the Saskatchewan RCMP or submit tips anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
In the meantime, residents of the Cree nation can expect to see an increased police presence as officers continue to search for answers, the RCMP noted.
“Further updates will be provided as they become available,” the RCMP added. “If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.”
