Gimli schools and some businesses went into lockdown last Thursday afternoon after reports came in of shots fired in the community.
Gimli councillor Andy Damm said the municipality alerted the public through its website after the RCMP contacted them about a situation unfolding in town.
“The municipality posted a public message on our website, saying there is an ongoing situation,” said Damm. “Once we get further information from the RCMP, we will advise the public.”
The Evergreen School Division also issued a notice on its website, saying it had been notified by the RCMP at around 1:10 p.m.
ESD was asked to “hold and secure” its schools because of an incident “occurring in the community.” Hold and secure has staff stationed at school doors to let students into the building, but doesn’t allow them to leave.
“We are currently following this procedure and keeping our students safe in the schools,” said the division’s statement. “All of our early and middle years students are in the schools accounted for [sic]. Any high school students and staff still out of the building for lunch are being let into the schools upon their return.”
The RCMP issued an advisory notice just before 3 p.m. saying the Gimli RCMP responded to “shots fired at a residence in Gimli.” There were no injuries reported and the suspect fled the scene. The suspect and residents are known to each other.
By 4 p.m. the alert had been lifted by RCMP.
The following day, the RCMP issued a news release stating a 28-year-old male suspect had discharged a firearm towards two people during a dispute at a residence on Lake Avenue in Gimli.
“The two victims, a 55-year-old female from Fisher River Cree Nation, and a 27-year-old male from Kinonjeoshtegon (Jackhead) First Nation, had left the scene and contacted police. The 28-year-old male suspect was reported to also have left the residence and his current whereabouts were unknown,” said the news release. “Officers met with the victims and attended to the residence where the incident occurred. Inside the home, a 32-year-old female from Kinonjeoshtegon (Jackhead) First Nation was located and arrested after officers located an unsecured firearm in the home.”
RCMP also issued an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Joseph Henderson of Fort Alexander. He has yet to be located and is believed to be in Winnipeg, says the news release. He has been charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats and numerous firearms-related offences.
“He’s considered armed and dangerous and police are asking that he not be approached,” states the release. “If you’ve seen Joseph Henderson or have any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked to call the Gimli RCMP at 204-642-5106, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
