Shelter in place ends after northwestern Ont. police apprehend 'armed and dangerous' suspect

Lac Seul Police Service in Lac Seul First Nation (Facebook)

Shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday, police in northwestern Ontario lifted a shelter in place for residents of the Kejick Bay community of Lac Seul First Nation following an "ongoing threat to public safety."

The safety alert was issued shortly before 9 a.m.

No information about the suspect was provided.

Police said they received a report of "an individual at large in the community with a possible firearm on July 18."

"An extensive search and investigation were immediately launched, involving (Lac Seul Police Service) officers, Sioux Lookout OPP officers, OPP emergency response team members, and canine units," OPP said.

"Police were able to apprehend the individual without any harm to the public or law enforcement."

The investigation is continuing.

During the shelter in place, police advised residents in the area to take the following precautions:

• If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. Try to get inside a building or another secure location.
• If you are inside a building, stay there and lock all doors and windows.
• If you encounter the suspect, do not engage or approach. Dial 9-1-1 immediately to advise police.
• If you are not in the area, avoid the area and do not attempt to enter.
• If you are travelling nearby, please do not stop or pick up any hitchhikers.

No information on the suspect has been provided by police.

"Any person with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect should immediately contact 1-888-310-1122," OPP said.

"Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000."

Lac Seul First Nation is located about 38 kilometres northwest or Sioux Lookout, north of Dryden near the Manitoba border.

There are approximately 3,500 members with 30 per cent living on reserve within its four communities: Kejick Bay, Canoe River, Whitefish Bay and Frenchman's Head.

Less than 300 people live in Kejick Bay.