Shelter in place in Wiikwemkoong due to armed and dangerous person, schools dismissed
Despite an emergency alert by Ontario Provincial Police asking people in Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island to shelter in place due to an 'armed and dangerous person' Tuesday afternoon, the school board has deemed it "safe enough for regular dismissal."
Wiikwemkoong Board of Education said in a social media post just before 11 a.m., it placed all of its schools under a 'hold and secure' protocol "out of an abundance of caution" after advice from Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service.
The 'hold and secure' protocol is often used in schools in response to a risk or threat in the general area and prevents unauthorized individuals from entering or leaving a facility.
An hour later, police said they are investigating " an armed and dangerous person in Wiikwemkoong. Police request that you shelter in place, lock all doors and windows and notify police of any suspicious person."
Then, just after 3 p.m., despite no change to the community's shelter in place advisory, the school board said students will be dismissed from all schools at the usual time.
"All bus routes will run, except Cape Smith/Kaboni, and these affected students who cannot ride the bus home will be looked after by staff at our schools until it is deemed safe enough to get them home. Walkers (cannot) be dismissed. These students will need to be picked up by their parents. No after school program today," Wiikwemkoong Board of Education said.
The First Nation said students from the Cape Smith Road and Kaboni Road areas will be kept at the school and cared for by staff.
"For the remainder of the community, the current shelter in place situation remains as is: We are advising the public to remain indoors at this time," the First Nation said.
"We appreciate your patience and understanding. We will continue to update the community as more information becomes available."
THE SUSPECT
OPP said it is looking for 39-year-old Luke Naokeegijig who is described as a man who is six-foot one inches tall (185 centimetres), with long, black hair, a mustache and brown eyes.
He may be wearing a camoflauge sweater and black jeans, OPP said in an emergency alert.
In a social media post, the First Nation said Acting Police Chief Scott Cooper has been in communication with Ogimaa (Chief) Rachel Manitowabi said the suspect is "not a threat to the general public, however, with the ultimate safety for all in mind; the safe and cautious measure of sheltering in place has been advised to the community."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.