BIG ISLAND LAKE — Saskatchewan RCMP are continuing their investigation and have not made any arrests following a shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation that left a 31-year-old man dead and three others seriously injured.
The incident, which triggered a dangerous persons alert on Dec. 30, remains the focus of an active RCMP Major Crimes investigation. Police resources, including the Saskatchewan Protection and Response Team and the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, are assisting for scene security and extra patrols.
Police say the identity of the deceased victim is pending formal confirmation by the Coroners Service. The three surviving victims are hospitalized with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
The RCMP’s dangerous persons alert was in effect from about 8:23 a.m. to 4:49 p.m.
Saskatchewan RCMP said they issued the dangerous persons alert after they determined that there was a risk to public safety on Big Island Lake Cree Nation and the surrounding area.
“Public safety decisions are never taken lightly,” said Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Branch in a media release Wednesday.
“When we decided to cancel the dangerous persons alert, we considered several factors, including the amount of time that had passed since the shooting, that the incident was contained to one location, and that no additional victims were found. That alert has remained cancelled as there were no other incidents overnight.
“In any investigation, we’re constantly evaluating the risk to public safety. As we moved through the day yesterday, we continually assessed the need to keep the dangerous persons alert active. We will continue to monitor the risk to public safety.”
The motive of the shooting remains under investigation and police say updates will be provided when available.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy in our community,” says Big Island Lake Cree Nation Chief David Sandfly. “Keeping Big Island Lake Cree Nation safe takes all of us working together. When you share what you know with police, you help keep our community safe. Our leadership urges anyone with information about this shooting to contact RCMP immediately – even the smallest detail could make a difference.”
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to report it to police by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
