RCMP are still searching for this man. Do not approach if spotted. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By larongeNOW Staff

emergency

RCMP fired upon, several suspects still at large in connection to weekend alert

Jun 20, 2022 | 3:52 PM

Saskatchewan RCMP are providing more information in regards to a community-wide lockdown that occurred Sunday.

An RCMP media release states at around 11:30 a.m., two La Ronge RCMP officers were conducting patrols when a black car drove past their vehicle at a high rate of speed on Far Reserve Road. Police activated their emergency equipment, but the vehicle continued driving and turned into a driveway at a residence on the 100 block of Far Reserve Road.

The release noted the male driver of the vehicle fled the area and one RCMP officer followed, both on foot. The second RCMP officer was outside of the police truck when a second male exited the car with a firearm and discharged in the direction of the police vehicle and officer. The RCMP officer also discharged their firearm.

The two officers moved to a safe location and more La Ronge RCMP officers arrived.

A gathering was happening at the residence where the black car was parked. Multiple people exited the residence and were arrested, including a male and female that investigation determined were also inside the black car and went inside the house. A third female from the black car remains unaccounted for.

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Given the serious nature of the incident and firearm discharged, an immediate emergency alert broadcast was issued to the public, notifying them of a dangerous person with firearms in the La Ronge area at 12:29 p.m.

RCMP shared this image showing a bullet hole through the RCMP truck’s windshield. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

The RCMP Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) responded to assist. At around 4:30 p.m., three more people exited the residence and were arrested. In total, 17 people were arrested in relation to the incident.

Fifteen people have been released without charges and were determined not to be involved. The investigation is ongoing and RCMP will provide updates as they become available.

The whereabouts of three individuals; the initial male who fled the area on foot, the male who discharged a weapon and a female occupant of the car, have not been located.

Suspect 1 is described as a male with short dark hair with sides shaved, wearing dark pants and a dark shirt with gold patterns down the sleeves and dark runners. If seen, do not approach him and contact police immediately.

The RCMP continues to ask the public to be vigilant and report any tips and information related to this investigation to police by calling La Ronge RCMP at 1-306-425-6730, call 310-RCMP or 911 in an emergency. Anyone with information can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

No RCMP officers were injured during the incident and no other injuries have been reported to police. The Prince Albert RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), with the assistance of Saskatoon, Yorkton and Regina RCMP GIS, are leading the investigation, which is ongoing at this time. There will be a continued police presence on Far Reserve Road.

Six RCMP agencies, along with conservation officers, assisted in the investigation.

La Ronge detachment commander thankful for community support

The media release also stated there was the La Ronge Children’s Festival occurring in Patterson Park, garage sales and people enjoying the sunny weekend weather while the incident was happening. The La Ronge RCMP detachment received an additional six calls for service in the same time period they were managing the situation in Far Reserve.

“Police officers were also following up on tips from the public as a result of the emergency alerts,” said Staff Sgt. Dean Bridle. “When an incident is unfolding, there is a lot going on and many risk factors our responding police officers must consider, the scope of which are far-reaching and public and police officer safety must always be top of mind. I am grateful for the kind words our detachment received from members of our community following the conclusion of the incident and thank the people we encountered yesterday who cooperated with police and followed direction. We didn’t want anyone to be hurt.”

One of the calls included a report of two people trying to get inside a residence on Cook Crescent at 4:30 p.m. RCMP officers responded immediately and two youths were arrested, but not charged.

He noted RCMP are hoping the information released today gives the public more insight into the seriousness of what occurred.

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larongeNOW@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @larongeNOW