The Spiritwood RCMP has canceled a province-wide alert regarding shooting suspects in the area, and it will now be treated as a local matter.
Right before 1 PM on Monday, officers were called about the shooting on Witchekan Lake First Nation and were informed several suspects escaped on foot. Further investigation made officers believe the suspects escaped the area in an early 2000s dark red Ford Mustang. Further, leads have determined that car was not, in fact, involved.
Two suspects, 22-year-old Kelly Witchekan and 33-year-old Melvin Starblanket are at large, and officers are searching locally for the suspects, with further details to be disseminated in the community where needed. The RCMP advises that residents take precautions for safety at this time.
Witchekan has brown hair and eyes, and is 5’9” and 140 lbs. Starblanket has black hair and brown eyes, and is 5’9” inches and 160 lbs.
Officers say this is still not believed to be connected to the manhunt for two suspects accused of several attacks on the James Smith Cree Nation.
While the investigation continues, people are asked to report anything suspicious to police, CrimeStoppers, or in an emergency, 911.