Saskatchewan RCMP reveal more details after fatal Pelican Narrows shooting

CTV's Laura Woodward on what we know so far about a fatal shooting in Pelican Narrows, where RCMP are investigating the shooter's motive.

Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed more details of a deadly shooting that killed one person and injured another in the northern community of Pelican Narrows.

In a virtual news conference held Tuesday morning, the police service confirmed a woman was declared dead at the scene of the shooting while a man was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The RCMP noted it is working with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to confirm the woman’s identity.

While police have not said if the suspect and victims were known to each other, RCMP Insp. Ashley St. Germaine said she does not believe the shooting was random.

“Do I believe that there’s a random shooting that occurred? I don’t believe so,” she said Tuesday. “But that is part of our investigation, and we’re mindful of both incidents, if it could be targeted or if it is random, that’s a part of our investigation.”

Timeline

At approximately 1:56 p.m. Monday, officers in Pelican Narrows learned of a shooting near the community’s health centre.

Units from Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Creighton, and Deschambault Lake responded immediately.

Two people wounded by gunfire were found at two separate spots on the same road in the community. Officers confirmed the woman was deceased, while the man was transported to hospital.

According to RCMP, it took 17 minutes from when police learned of the incident to when the civic emergency alert was issued due to the threat of an active shooter.

Safety measures, such as a lockdown at the community’s school, were undertaken during the alert.

At around 7 p.m., officers arrested a suspect at a home in Pelican Narrows. Another individual who was arrested earlier in the day, was released without charges.

Once the suspect was arrested, Saskatchewan RCMP determined its dangerous person alert could be cancelled. As a result, a cancellation was issued shortly after 8 p.m. Monday.

Investigation continues

An increased police presence is expected in Pelican Narrows as the investigation continues. No charges have been laid as of Tuesday morning.

“We have not laid charges, we’re still combing through a ton of information, the crime scenes, speaking to eyewitnesses, and gathering other evidence, and we’ll work with our Crown counsel in order to determine the appropriate charges, and then lay those when we are able to do that with the data support of the evidence,” Insp. Ashley St. Germaine told reporters.

The inspector encouraged those in the community to speak up.

“If you saw something or know something about the shooting, please say something,” St. Germaine added.

“While investigators continue to collect and analyze evidence, including video surveillance, eyewitness accounts will be key to providing answers to the victims and their families.”

• READ MORE: Northern Saskatchewan leaders call for more support after recent deaths in Pelican Narrows 

RCMP noted the rising prevalence of violent crime in Pelican Narrows, in keeping with similar trends across northern Saskatchewan.

Over the past decade, violent crime in the community has increased 49 per cent.

“This is extremely concerning, especially considering the small local population, but the numbers don’t tell the full story,” Chief Supt. Murray Chamberlin, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Criminal Operations told reporters.

“We have been actively meeting and working with the community to identify long-term solutions. Many of these initiatives are shared with community, and we’re committed to supporting them and working together to initiate positive change.”