RCMP cancels emergency alert issued after shooting death in Melville

The dangerous person alert issued Wednesday morning after a shooting in Melville was cancelled just after 1:30 p.m.

The RCMP said in a release that one man was dead and another man had suffered life-threatening injuries after the shooting at the Country Inn Motel in Melville. Police said the injured male had been taken to hospital for treatment.

An RCMP spokesperson said two suspects remained at large, but the alert was cancelled because the situation doesn’t present an imminent risk to the public.

As well, the Mounties’ release noted their investigation had determined the shooting wasn’t believed to be random in nature.

“As such, there is not a heightened risk to the general public at this time,” the release said. “Should that change, the Saskatchewan RCMP will notify the public immediately.”

The release noted police don’t have descriptions of the suspects.

The RCMP said the first reports of shots being fired came in at around 9:20 a.m., and police responded to the area immediately.

The dangerous person alert was issued just after 10:30 a.m.

“There’s believed to be two suspects involved,” the RCMP’s Mandy Maier said shortly after the alert was issued. “Because it’s in the early stages of the investigation, we don’t have any descriptions available.

“What we really want the public to know is do not pick up hitchhikers and please be cautious if anyone is asking for a ride and report suspicious persons or activity immediately to police by calling 911.”

A vehicle that may have been involved was found abandoned on Highway 10 near Duff, the alert said.

The release issued in the afternoon said there was to be an increased police presence in Melville and on roads in and around the community “as the investigation unfolds.”

“Saskatchewan residents are asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police,” the release added. “In an emergency, always call 911. Any tips or information relating to this incident should be reported to police immediately – this includes thefts of vehicles.”

In an update issued at 2:25 p.m., RCMP said Highway 10 and access to 3rd Avenue in Melville will be closed for about an hour as investigators complete their work. Detours are in place, RCMP said. Those routes reopened at 4:35 p.m.