One person has died and another is now in police custody after a shooting occurred in North Spirit Lake First Nation, which is a remote Oji-Cree community located in northwestern Ontario.
The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) reported that officers were called to the scene regarding a disturbance in the area shortly after 5 p. m. CT on Friday.
NAPS stated that a male suspect is currently detained, and residents can expect an increased police presence as they continue their investigation.
“There is no known ongoing threat to public safety as a result of this incident,” the police service said in a news release issued Friday night. Approximately 430 people live in North Spirit Lake, situated about 530 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay and 170 kilometres north of Red Lake.
The chief and council released a statement about what happened on Friday evening.
This is a devastating and unnecessary loss of life that will have a profound impact on their families and on our entire community.- North Spirit Lake First Nation’s chief and council
“North Spirit Lake First Nation is deeply saddened to share that a serious incident occurred in our community early this evening involving the shooting of two community members,” the statement said.
“One individual is currently reported to be in stable condition. Tragically, a second community member has lost their life.”
The statement describes the male suspect as a “man not known to the community.”
“This is a devastating and unnecessary loss of life that will have a profound impact on their families and on our entire community,” it said.
“We ask everyone to please keep those affected, their families, and the entire North Spirit Lake First Nation community in your thoughts and prayers.”
This incident follows another shooting that took place in Constance Lake First Nation early on August 29. Community members were advised to remain indoors for several hours while authorities investigated.
Constance Lake is an Ojibway and Cree community located about 490 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, with just under 900 residents living there.
“Investigators determined the incident occurred at a residence in the community, where an adult male victim sustained injuries during an apparent shooting. The involved residence has since been contained by police,” NAPS said in a statement that evening.
“This led to an integrated emergency and investigative response consisting of the NAPS and OPP’s Emergency Response Teams, OPP’s North East Criminal Operations, and NAPS Northeast Crime Unit.”
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