One man is dead and another has been released from hospital following a shooting Tuesday evening in Norway House, Manitoba. The suspected shooter remains at large, and authorities are navigating conflicting information regarding the level of threat posed to the public.
Investigation Underway
RCMP stated Wednesday morning that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. But, a message posted on the Norway House Cree Nation’s Facebook page indicated the individual is not believed to be a threat to the general public, while still advising caution, and vigilance.
Alfred Laugher, the First Nation’s acting chief, urged residents to “remain calm, stay vigilant, and follow all directions from the emergency response team” through official channels like the Alertable app, local radio, and trusted social media.
According to an RCMP spokesperson, while police believe the shooting was targeted, further investigation is needed to gather evidence, leading to the continued consideration of the suspect as a threat. Additional RCMP resources have been deployed to Norway House to facilitate the suspect’s safe apprehension, and residents can anticipate a significant police presence.
Timeline of Events
RCMP responded to a disturbance call around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday near Lagoon Road. Upon arrival, two men, ages 25 and 38, were discovered with gunshot wounds. The 25-year-old man was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m. The 38-year-old man received treatment and was released from hospital. Both victims are residents of the community, located approximately 195 kilometres south of Thompson, Manitoba.
The shooting occurred at the Playgreen Inn bar. The suspect was last seen fleeing into the bush on Fort Island, according to an emergency alert issued by the First Nation. Police dogs and specialized units were utilized in the initial search on Tuesday.
This incident marks the second time in less than two weeks that a Manitoba First Nation has been placed under lockdown due to a suspect at large. Previously, Pukatawagan experienced a mandatory lockdown after a home invasion on April 17. While two of the three suspects were quickly apprehended, Creedan Bighetty, 23, remained at large until being found in a home on Monday.
Ongoing Investigation
RCMP have not released a description or the age of the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Norway House detachment at 204-359-6715.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Norway House?
A shooting occurred Tuesday evening at the Playgreen Inn bar in Norway House, Manitoba, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old man and injuries to a 38-year-old man, who has since been released from hospital.
Is the suspect still at large?
Yes, the suspect is still at large as of Wednesday morning. RCMP consider the suspect armed and dangerous, while a community Facebook post suggests they do not pose a general threat to the public.
Where is Norway House located?
Norway House Cree Nation is located approximately 195 kilometres south of Thompson, Manitoba, and is one of Manitoba’s largest Indigenous communities with almost 6,900 members.
How might the community respond to this event in the coming days and weeks?
