Thursday afternoon, police ended a shelter-in-place order for residents in Ginoogaming First Nation that had been in effect since early Wednesday morning. Later Thursday, police announced the arrest of the two suspects wanted for murder. “Officers have determined that the situation has stabilized in the community and the threat to public safety is no longer considered active,” police said Body found Wednesday morning The crisis began Wednesday at 2:15 a.m., when members of the Greenstone OPP and Anishinabek Police Service responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Echum Drive. “One person was found deceased and another located with injuries,” the OPP said in a news release Thursday. “A shelter-in-place advisory and emergency alert were issued to notify the public of the active incident. Officers began searching for two armed and dangerous individuals in the area of Ginoogaming First Nation.” Schools in the area were closed Wednesday and Thursday as the two male suspects wanted in connection with the shooting death were sought. Post-mortem in Toronto However, after a “thorough response and investigation,” police decided Thursday afternoon it was safe enough to lift the shelter-in-place order. “Police continue to investigate and are actively monitoring the situation,” the news release said. “Residents may resume normal activities, but are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.” In a news release Thursday afternoon, the First Nation offered condolences to the victim’s family. “It is absolutely tragic that the young life of one of our members has been taken and another one has been injured,” Chief Sheri Taylor said in the release. Harbouring drug dealers “We will continue to work with local law enforcement to continue to advocate for increased police presence and to ensure that this matter is resolved even while the shelter-in-place order is lifted.” Taylor called on the federal government to provide resources to help the community combat “alcohol, drug and gang-related crime.” “I empathize with other First Nations within the Municipality of Greenstone who also are struggling with having their hands tied when they want to deal with members who are harboring drug dealers in their homes,” she said. “Governments need to step in and have a serious look at the inability of law enforcement to fulfill their crucial role in maintaining public safety and enforcing laws because this puts our families at risk every day.” The OPP north west region crime unit is continuing the investigation with the Anishinabek Police Service, under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch. Police are investigating in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. “A post-mortem examination will be conducted by the OFPS in Toronto,” the release said. “Residents of Ginoogaming First Nation will continue to see an increased police presence as the investigation continues.” Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.
