Sask. RCMP release video of Pelican Narrows shooting suspect as manhunt resumes

RCMP have released video of the suspect in a shooting in Pelican Narrows that left one dead and one injured.

The Saskatchewan RCMP is resuming its search for the person responsible for a fatal shooting in Pelican Narrows earlier this week.

In an update issued Wednesday afternoon, RCMP revealed a person taken into custody on Monday has since been released without charges.

The service said its initial investigation on Monday provided grounds to arrest two people. As investigators gathered more evidence, however, both individuals were released.

Now, the police service is renewing its calls to the public to help identify the suspect, who is described as a man wearing all black and carrying a handgun and a cellphone at the time of the shooting.

Surveillance video of the suspect running past a home was released as part of the update on Wednesday.

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RCMP issued a dangerous person alert on Monday as information suggested the shooting took place at the clinic and could have been random in nature. That alert has since been cancelled.

Despite the suspect responsible for the shooting being still at large — RCMP have not issued a separate dangerous person alert — as no other incidents connected with the June 1 shooting have been reported.

“Investigators are constantly reassessing this situation. At this time, there is not believed to be an imminent risk to public safety,” the service said in the update.

Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, acting officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch, reiterated the service’s request to the public for their help in finding the suspect.

“We know the community of Pelican Narrows is on edge because of this shooting, and other recent violent events,” St. Germaine said in the update.

“Our number one priority right now is the safety of Pelican Narrows residents. Homicides are solved with the help of witnesses. We know there are people in the community who have information and have not shared it with police. If you do — or if you recognize the suspect in this video — please call police or report what you know to Crime Stoppers immediately," she added.

“Help us bring this person into custody, ease community fears, and start the justice process for those affected by this crime.”

The shooting on Monday killed a woman, described as a 28-year-old from Pelican Narrows, and seriously injured a man. The man’s injuries were described as non-life-threatening by RCMP.

RCMP say an altercation occurred at a home on Chachakew Street between a group of people who knew each other. It’s here the woman was injured. The man was injured minutes later on the road in proximity to the community’s health clinic.

An increased police presence is expected in the community as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact RCMP by calling 310‑RCMP or submitting an anonymous tip to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Community reaction

News that the shooter is still on the loose is disheartening, says Justin Halcrow, the vice chief of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

“It’s very troublesome for our community while they’re in a high state of high alert. They’re traumatized,” Halcrow said Wednesday at a virtual news conference.

Pelican Narrows, which is part of the First Nation, has been dealing with heightened violence for years. The shooting happened less than a month after two homicides in the small community.

Halcrow said it’s largely to do with gangs, addictions and mental health issues.

“We need immediate help,” added Chief Peter Beatty.

In late May, Pelican Narrows put up a security checkpoint on the road leading into the community. It’s also banned people from using all-terrain vehicles, directing retailers not to sell gas for such vehicles.

The First Nation has been calling for an Indigenous-led police service in northern Saskatchewan, along with additional Mounties and more funding for addictions treatment.

Beatty said leaders plan to be in Ottawa next week for a meeting with Mandy Gull-Masty, the Indigenous services minister.

“We need a solid commitment in terms of getting security into the community to make people feel relatively safe, and to at least alleviate the number of drugs and alcohol entering the community,” he said.

With files from The Canadian Press