A shooting in a remote northwestern Ontario community has left one person dead and another in stable condition. Police say a suspect is in custody and advise there is no continuing danger in the area. Incident and response The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service said its members responded to a call about a disturbance on North Spirit Lake First Nation shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday. Authorities said officers arrived at the scene around 5:30 p.m. local time on Sept. 4. “Upon arrival, officers located one individual deceased and a second individual with serious injuries, who was transported to a trauma centre,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Saturday. The First Nation community’s leadership said in a news release late Friday that the injured community member is reported to be in stable condition. Suspect in custody A suspect is in custody, according to police. The First Nation has identified the individual as “a Caucasian man not known to the community.” Police said investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident. “There is no known ongoing threat to public safety as a result of this incident,” said Nishnawbe Aski police. Ongoing investigation OPP and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service are continuing the investigation, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Nishnawbe Aski police said on social media on Saturday that any further updates on the investigation will be provided by OPP. Community statement North Spirit Lake First Nation issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident. “This is a devastating and unnecessary loss of life that will have a profound impact on their families and on our entire community,” the statement said. The community has asked residents to allow law enforcement to carry out its work and to avoid speculation or sharing unconfirmed information. “Out of respect for the families and the ongoing police investigation, North Spirit Lake First Nation will provide further information when it is appropriate to do so,” said the community’s leadership. “OPP would like to thank the Chief and Council of North Spirit Lake First Nation as well as members of the public for their support as this investigation continues,” police added. Anyone with information related to the shooting is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
