A photo taken at the time of the incident Thursday afternoon. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Charges laid following incident near Ahtahkakoop school

Jan 29, 2021 | 12:07 PM

A 30-year-old man from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation is facing over half a dozen charges, including possession of a weapon and uttering threats, in connection to an incident that happened near the community’s school Thursday.

RCMP have now confirmed eye witness reports that a vehicle had driven off the road and struck a fence across a field near the school. Once the vehicle came to stop, the driver was seen leaving the vehicle, allegedly carrying a firearm, and walked across the school field.

The suspect was then seen walking toward a residence across the road from the school. The incident was observed from the school and as a precaution, the school initiated a lockdown.

Ahtahkakoop RCMP attended the area and established a perimeter around the residence the individual was believed to have entered. Big River and Spiritwood RCMP detachments were called to assist.

Once a secure perimeter was established, police made contact with the occupants of the residence. Seven occupants were located from the residence. Among those individuals, officers were able to identify and locate the 30-year-old man who was the subject of the initial complaint.

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The man was arrested without incident, and an unloaded firearm was located inside the residence and seized by police. There were no shots fired during this incident and no indication the school or students were at risk.

Riley Fenton Ahenakew made his first court appearance by phone Friday morning and will be held in custody until his next court provincial court appearance on Monday, Feb. 1, in Prince Albert.

According to a Facebook post from the school Thursday night, a decision was made to close the school Friday. Staff will be available but no students will be in attendance.

“Please be advised that we have a guidance counsellor and two mental health therapists available for anyone who needs mental health support,” the statement said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell