Shelter-in-place order lifted for Ont. First Nation, man, weapon located

A shelter-in-place order in Sagamok First Nation was lifted after Anishinabek Police located a man with a pellet gun that prompted an alert.

There was a heavy police presence – including the emergency response team and canine unit – in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation on Thursday following reports of an armed individual.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the Anishinabek Police Service advised, via a social media post, that “a pellet gun (had) been recovered in relation to this incident.”

Originally, police said they were responding to “reports of a male armed with a long gun who is on foot in (the) area,” and had issued a shelter-in-place order for the Fort La Cloche, Beaudryville and Maple Ridge subdivisions via social media shortly before noon.

“The school lockdown has been lifted and the shelter-in-place for residents has also been lifted,” said police in their update.

“The male was located and spoken to. No charges are pending,” the police service added in a news release later in the afternoon.

The shelter-in-place order

Police had instructed all area residents to shelter in place immediately and advised the public to:

• Immediately move to a safe place with few or no windows.
• If outside or driving, seek shelter in the nearest building, preferably in an interior room, and bring pets inside.
• Shut and lock all exterior doors and windows.
• Close window blinds and stay away from windows.

Police also released a photo of the suspect taken at a pavilion near the First Nation’s youth centre, advising residents to call 911 if they see him.

In their second social media post shortly after 12:30 p.m., police confirmed the incident was ongoing at that time.

“Area residents are to continue to shelter in place until further notice, which means staying inside, securing doors, and staying away from windows,” read the update.

“Do not approach or engage the suspect if observed ... Instead, call 911 immediately,” police added.

“You will be notified when it is safe to leave.”

Authorities are also asked the public not to call 911 for information or updates on the situation.

“We are grateful for the patience and understanding of the community while police worked to conclude this incident safely,” the police service said in the news release.