Wiikwemkoong shelter in place lifted, suspect in custody
Residents in the unceded First Nation territory of Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island are breathing a sigh of relief as police announce the emergency advisory has been lifted Wednesday afternoon after more than 24 hours of sheltering in place.
Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police both made the announcement shortly after 3 p.m. that the incident involving an "armed and dangerous" man has been peacefully resolved and the suspect is in custody.
"A community member who was at the centre of the search has turned himself in to authorities safely and peacefully," Ogimaa Kwe (Chief) Rachel Manitowabi told CTV News.
Police say there is no further risk to public safety.
No word on the charges against the 39-year-old local suspect.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
The incident began Tuesday morning when WTPS advised Wiikwemkoong Board of Education to place all its schools under a 'hold and secure' protocol due to an investigation in the community.
About an hour later, an emergency alert went out to the northeast region telling residents to shelter in place, lock all windows and doors and report all suspicious people to police. It, along with a civil alert, caused confusion and worry in many nearby communities, such as Greater Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.
OPP Sgt. Carlo told CTV News in a phone interview Wednesday morning the shelter in place was limited to Wiikwemkoong and the Alert Ready system does not allow police to send warnings out to individual communities, which is why people off of the island also received the alerts.
Most students were dismissed as usual Tuesday afternoon, with then exception of two areas where police were actively searching.
The chief also explained the decision to dismiss students at the usual time on Tuesday.
"At 2:40 p.m., we received an update from (Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service) advising myself and WBE director that the current situation was contained in a specific location within the community and it was deemed safe for regular dismissal except for the satellite communities of Cape Smith/Kaboni," Manitouwabi said.
"As an additional measure, OPP arrived on Wikwemikong Way to support the safety of our children walking home."
Tuesday night, First Nation council members approved a day off for students on Wednesday as the shelter in place continued.
Members of the Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team are available 24/7 to community members at 705-348-1937.
Tuesday night, it posted a video with tips on how to talk to kids about traumatic events.
"When OPP issues an emergency alert, it is continuously sent out approximately every 4-6 hours until the situation has been resolved," Manitowabi said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day and the playoffs face off in a quiet Vancouver suburb
In the quiet and leafy Vancouver neighbourhood of South Cambie, best known for its botanical garden, playoff fever is about to set in.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.