RCMP say officers in Behchokǫ̀ are responding to a report of shots fired and searching for “five to six individuals believed to be armed with long guns.”
In a news release at 12:30pm on Friday, RCMP said those individuals are believed to be travelling on two snowmobiles.
In an emergency alert broadcast to Behchokǫ̀ just before noon, police said one of those snowmobiles is believed to be orange.
“Preliminary information indicates this was a targeted attack,” RCMP stated, adding no injuries have been reported to police.
“Additional police resources have been deployed to the community, and an increased police presence will be visible,” the news release continued.
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“Residents of the community are asked to exercise caution and to shelter in place, away from windows and doors until further notice.”
Anyone with information that can help the operation is told to call 911 in an emergency or contact the Behchokǫ̀ detachment at 867-392-1111.
The emergency alert, which described “armed individuals in the area of Godiwa Tili,” came just after schools in Behchokǫ̀ said they had gone into lockdown.
In a message to parents at 11:30am, Chief Jimmy Bruneau School attributed that lockdown to “an active RCMP situation.” Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School is also affected.
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Video footage posted online showed multiple police vehicles and armed officers. RCMP have been approached for more information.
“All students are safe inside with our staff. Students will not be dismissed to go home for lunch,” Chief Jimmy Bruneau School stated.
“Please do not come to the school. The doors are locked and will not be opened under any circumstances until the lockdown is officially cleared by the RCMP.”
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.
