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RCMP officers are still searching for the man responsible for a fatal shooting in Pelican Narrows.
According to an update shared by the Saskatchewan RCMP on Wednesday, a person who was arrested in connection with the shooting on Monday has since been released without charges.
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Police received a report of a shooting near the health centre in the northern Saskatchewan community at approximately 1:56 p.m. on Monday. While some initial reports indicated the shooting happened at the clinic, the RCMP said on Tuesday that those reports were incorrect.
The RCMP said the officers responding to the call found two shooting victims – an adult woman and an adult man – on the same road near the health centre, “a short distance away from each other.” The woman was declared dead at the scene, RCMP said, while the man was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The victim who died was a 28-year-old woman from Pelican Narrows, the RCMP said, but while the woman’s family has been notified, her name was not released. Meanwhile, the RCMP said the male victim’s injuries are no longer considered to be life threatening.
“Investigators believe an altercation occurred at a residence between a group of individuals known to one another. The female was injured at a residence on Chachakew Street, then the male was injured minutes later, on the road that is in proximity to the local health clinic,” the RCMP said on Wednesday.
“An individual was arrested on June 1, as initial investigation provided grounds for their arrest. After investigators gathered more evidence, the individual was released without charge.”
An RCMP spokesperson confirmed nobody is currently in custody in relation to the shooting.
The RCMP described the alleged shooter as male, wearing all-black clothing and carrying a handgun and a cell phone.
Police shared a short video clip showing the alleged shooter running quickly down a tree-lined, dirt road. The RCMP asked any members of the public who can help identify the man, or who may have information about the shooting, to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
“We know the community of Pelican Narrows is on edge because of this shooting, and other recent violent events,” inspector Ashley St. Germaine, acting officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s major crimes branch, said in a statement.
“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.
“Help us bring this person into custody, ease community fears, and start the justice process for those affected by this crime.”
While a dangerous person alert was issued for the area in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the RCMP said no further connected incidents have been reported, and police do not believe there is any imminent risk to public safety, though the Mounties noted that the situation is being “constantly” reassessed.
Residents can expect to see a lot of police working in the community as officers continue the investigation, the RCMP noted.
When asked about why RCMP have not released the name of the female victim in the shooting, RCMP told 650 CKOM and 980 CJME that investigators “do not believe it is necessary (to release the name) to further the investigation at this time.
“We are also mindful of our privacy obligations – because there are no charges laid in relation to the woman’s death, her name is not stated on publicly available court documents, therefore we are withholding it,” RCMP shared in an email.
PBCN chief, vice chief unaware of new RCMP information during news conference
During a 1 p.m. news conference held on Wednesday, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) chief Peter Beatty told reporters the latest information that had been provided to him was that two suspects were in custody.
“They (RCMP) haven’t released any further information as to what has transpired since, not officially,” he told reporters during the video call.
However, a news release from RCMP issued at 1:03 p.m. provided new information indicating that the suspect who had been in police custody had been released and providing other details about the shooting and victims.
Beatty said that was “new to him” during the news conference.
“The information we have is that were suspects that were arrested. The RCMP has not released any information as to whether their investigation is over, so we’ll wait for the RCMP to give us those details,” he added.
Justin Halcrow, PBCN vice chief, appeared just as surprised that the person who’d been arrested was not still behind bars.
“I’m sorry, I was just trying to look for the media release the RCMP just made. I know they made it while we were busy here, doing the media conference,” he said, adding that it was unfortunate both people police had arrested had been released.
Both leaders said the community of Pelican Narrows was traumatized by Monday’s shooting.
According to RCMP, information on the suspect’s release was provided Wednesday morning to PBCN leadership. 650 CKOM and 980 CJME have requested additional information on who exactly was informed, and when.
Violent crime up nearly 50 per cent in Pelican Narrows
The community of Pelican Narrows has become a hot spot for crime, addictions and social issues in recent years, according to chief superintendent Murray Chamberlin, criminal operations officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Chamberlin said violent crime in the area covered by the Pelican Narrows RCMP detachment has gone up by 49 per cent over the past decade.
He said the trend is “extremely concerning,” especially considering the small population of the area.
“Change won’t happen overnight,” Chamberlin said.
“Addressing these challenges requires collaboration.”
He said police have been working with the community on a number of initiatives aiming to improve safety, and he thanked the public for helping police by making reports.
“You are our eyes and ears. Thank you for continuing to report crime and tips and partnering with us to effect positive change,” Chamberlin said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community.”
The Pelican Narrows RCMP detachment has seen staffing issues in recent years, Chamberlin added, with relief officers covering 888 shifts at the detachment since January of 2024.
Chamberlin said RCMP will implement a new rotational staffing model in northeast Saskatchewan this fall, with Saskatoon-based officers rotating through Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Creighton and Deschambault Lake.
