Police have set up a check stop outside Behchokǫ̀ as a hunt for armed individuals in the community continues. Some people are in custody but schools remain locked down.
A shelter in place order is still in effect, police said at 4pm on Friday. It had been issued shortly before noon.
“A number of individuals have been taken into custody,” police stated. “However, at least one suspect remains outstanding. Officers have contained several residences in the community in relation to the investigation.”
A drone unit, dog unit, crime reduction unit and emergency response team have all been called in alongside backup general duty officers.
“Motorists are advised to expect delays when travelling to the community. Non-essential travel should be postponed,” police stated.
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RCMP initially said officers in Behchokǫ̀ were responding to a report of shots fired and searching for “five to six individuals believed to be armed with long guns.”
Two schools have been locked down since late on Friday morning as a result.
In a news release at 12:30pm on Friday, RCMP said those individuals were believed to be travelling on two snowmobiles.
“Preliminary information indicates this was a targeted attack,” RCMP stated, adding no injuries had been reported to police.
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Later, schools in Behchokǫ̀ said they could not immediately release students as classes ended on Friday because the lockdown was continuing into its sixth hour.
Chief Jimmy Bruneau School, Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School, the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency building and the friendship centre were all locked down.
Earlier on Friday, Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe stated: “There are armed suspects in Behchoko right now, please refrain from posting videos or pictures of the RCMP.
“Let them do their job. Don’t give away their location. Stay indoors, lock your doors and stay calm.”
More follows.
