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Montreal Lake Cree Nation is located about an hour north of Prince Albert. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)
Community safety

Update: RCMP arrest last suspect that caused dangerous person alert for Montreal Lake

Oct 13, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Update: RCMP have arrested the last suspect that caused a dangerous person alert to be issued on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

Justice Bird was taken into custody on Friday at a residence north of the community.

It’s alleged he and another suspect injured a person on Montreal Lake back on Thursday and were seen armed and walking around the community.

The victim of an incident Thursday at Montreal Lake Cree Nation remains in hospital in stable condition.

That’s according to Chief Joyce McLeod in a statement provided to paNOW on Friday.

While declining further comment due to what she described as the ongoing police investigation, she did add one of the armed suspects was still at large.

On Thursday afternoon, Waskesiu RCMP issued a dangerous person alert for Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

People were told to seek shelter as multiple suspects were reportedly armed in the community. Police said one person was injured.

One of the suspects was located and RCMP, at last word, were still looking for 29-year-old Justice Bird.

He was last seen wearing a white ball cap and black and white clothing. He’s described as 5’9”, weighing 166 lbs with black hair, brown eyes and multiple facial tattoos.

According to a statement on the community’s Facebook page, all buildings will be closed Friday due to the current community lockdown.

The William Charles Health Centre will only be available for emergencies.

School has also been cancelled for staff and students.

“We are taking precautions and encourage everyone to stay safe, limit traffic and we will return to school on Monday. We will have mental health supports visit us on site on Monday to support our school family if required,” the statement said.

The dangerous person alert was cancelled at 10:12 p.m. and despite police still looking for Bird, they don’t believe there is any risk to the public at this time.

If this changes, they will update the public immediately.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

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