Armed Individuals on ATVs Trigger Shelter-in-Place Order in Northern Alberta

A remote northern Alberta community experienced a tense day as reports of armed individuals riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) prompted a full-scale police response and a shelter-in-place order.

On Monday, May 13, residents of Fort Chipewyan, along with members of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, were urged to seek immediate shelter.

The alert was issued following multiple calls to RCMP regarding individuals seen openly carrying firearms while riding ATVs in the area.

The initial call came in at approximately 12:45 p.m., reporting two individuals with firearms. Subsequent reports throughout the afternoon escalated the concern, describing a group of up to four individuals, still armed and on ATVs.

This rapidly unfolding situation led authorities to declare a critical public safety alert, advising everyone in the region to stay indoors, lock their doors, and avoid all travel.

RCMP officers from Fort Chipewyan, supported by specialized units, quickly mobilized to search for the suspects. The immediate priority was to ensure the safety of the community members and to locate those responsible for the alarming reports.

Local leadership played a crucial role, working closely with law enforcement to disseminate information and ensure residents were aware of the evolving situation.

As the evening progressed, and after extensive patrols and investigations yielded no immediate contact with the suspects, the shelter-in-place order was lifted at around 7:45 p.m.

However, the RCMP confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. They have urged anyone with information regarding the incident, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity, to contact the Fort Chipewyan RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers.

This unsettling event served as a stark reminder of the challenges and unique circumstances faced by remote communities, where swift and decisive action is paramount to maintaining public safety in the face of unexpected threats.