Pimicikamak lockdown lifted after fatal shooting

Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias said an arrest has been made and the community-wide lockdown has now been lifted after a shooting Friday that left one person dead.

RCMP were called by local First Nations Safety Officers about a seriously injured person at around 9:30 p.m. Friday on Main Road in Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Officers found two men at the scene. A 42-year-old man with a gunshot wound died at the scene. The other person was not injured.

The community went into immediate lockdown as the RCMP sought the suspect. An advisory posted by Monias Saturday had asked residents to stay inside their homes, lock doors and windows, keep children inside and not to open their doors to anyone they did not know.

In a statement on social media Sunday afternoon, Monias said the RCMP had arrested one person.

“While we await final confirmation, we are hopeful and that hope belongs to every one of you. Because of this, the lockdown is lifted, effective immediately,” he said in the statement. “Breathe a little easier today. Hold your loved ones a little closer. We are moving forward.”

Police had said Saturday the suspect was believed to have known the person who was shot and could still be in the community. The lockdown happened in the midst of Treaty and Indian Days events, which were cancelled until further notice.

“To the visitors and competitors who were stranded here, we are sorry for the disruption to the Treaty and Indian Days but we are grateful you were with us,” said Monias. “Please come back when the sun shines brighter on our community. You are always welcome.”

The Free Press has reached out to the RCMP for comment.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca