Police are actively trying to locate Kelly Witchekan (left) and Melvin Starblanket. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By paNOW Staff

Dangerous persons alert

Updated: Spiritwood RCMP issues dangerous persons alert for Witchekan Lake First Nation

Sep 5, 2022 | 1:15 PM

Update 6:42 a.m. – The dangerous persons alert for Witchekan Lake First Nation issued by the Spiritwood RCMP has been cancelled.

Kelly Witchekan was arrested in Saskatoon late yesterday evening. 33-year-old Melvin Starblanket has not been located. He has black hair and brown eyes, and is 5’9” and 160 lbs.

Police continue to look for Melvin Starblanket. The public should remain vigilant.

If you have information on the whereabouts of Melvin Starblanket, report it immediately to your police service. Information can be reported to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

More details are expected later Tuesday.

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Update 5:40 p.m. – Spiritwood RCMP sent a second update to the Dangerous Persons Alert Monday night.

Earlier in the day, officers were investigating reports of shots fired in the community of Witchiken Lake First Nation. The incident is not connected to the James Smith Cree Nation investigation.

Officers originally thought several armed suspects at large may be traveling in a mid-2000’s dark red Mustang. The vehicle was located and the investigation determined it, in fact, was not involved in the fire arms discharge incident.

An update from the RCMP said, “The scope of this investigation has changed and the alert is now focused on Witchkean Lake First Nation and surrounding area as defined by the alerting system.”

The alert map can be found here.

Investigators have identified two male suspects and are actively trying to locate them.

Kelly Witchekan is 22 years old. He has brown hair and eyes, and is 5’9” and 140 lbs. Melvin Starblanket is 33-years-old. He has black hair and brown eyes, and is 5’9” inches and 160 lbs. Both have connections to Witchekan Lake First Nation.

Spiritwood RCMP continues to investigate. Further emergency alerts will be sent to areas where public safety risk is identified, if required. Police said there will a continued increased police presence on Witchekan Lake First Nation and surrounding areas.

If you have information on the whereabouts of Kelly Witchekan or Melvin Starblanket, you are asked to notify your local police service. Information can be reported to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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Update 1:30pm – The alert is now province-wide.

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Spiritwood RCMP have issued a dangerous persons alert in response to a shooting that happened in the community of Witchekan Lake First Nation.

At this time, it’s not believed to be connected to the James Smith Cree Nation investigation.

Police say that several armed suspects are at large and may be traveling in a mid-2000s dark red Mustang.

Police are asking people to seek immediate shelter/shelter in place if in the area and to not leave a secure location. They added to use caution allowing others into your residence and to not approach suspicious persons or pick up hitch hikers.

People are being asked to report suspicious persons, emergencies, or info to 9 1 1.

Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow