Active shooter alert issued in Saskatchewan, as RCMP urges residents to shelter in place

An active shooter alert was issued in Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, on Monday afternoon after reports of an armed suspect near the community clinic.

According to Saskatchewan RCMP, the first emergency alert was sent at 2:28 PM, with police initially unable to identify the suspect.

In an update issued at 3:16 PM, officers said the suspect was a man dressed in all-black clothing and wearing a face covering.

Police said the suspect was believed to be on foot, but his direction of travel remained unknown.

Residents were urged to find a safe location, lock their doors and avoid approaching the suspect.

RCMP also asked the public not to share police locations online and to stay away from the area. "More information to come. The situation is rapidly unfolding, and we will provide updates as soon as possible,” the update said.

The alert comes less than two weeks after leaders in Pelican Narrows, part of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, called for urgent assistance to address what they described as ongoing violence in the community.

Recent security measures have included bans on private gatherings, restrictions on off-road vehicles and the reintroduction of security checkpoints. 

The measures followed two recent homicide investigations, including a fatal shooting on 21 May.