Dangerous persons alert issued after shots fired on Witchekan Lake First Nation

The Saskatchewan RCMP has identified two suspects after a dangerous persons alert was issued Monday following reports of shots being fired on the Witchekan Lake First Nation.

The RCMP is searching for 22-year-old Kelly Witchekan and 33-year-old Melvin Starblanket.

Witchekan is described as being 5-foot-9 and 140 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Starblanket is said to be 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Both men have connections to the Witchekan Lake First Nation, which is located about 130 kilometres west of Prince Albert.

The initial alert said the suspects may have been on foot, but an update suggested they may have been in a dark red Mustang.

In another update sent Monday just after 5:30 p.m., the Mounties said the car had been found and was not involved in the incident.

“The scope of this investigation has changed and the alert is now focused on the Witchekan Lake First Nation and surrounding area,” the RCMP release said.

The Mounties said further emergency alerts “will be sent to areas where public safety risk is identified, if required.” As well, there’s to be an increased police presence on the Witchekan Lake First Nation and in the surrounding areas.

Residents were reminded to take precautions to avoid contact with the suspects.

The RCMP said investigators don’t believe the incident is related to Sunday’s murders on the James Smith Cree Nation or Weldon.

Anyone with information about the two men was asked to call their local police service or 911, or to contact Crime Stoppers by phone (1-800-222-8477) or online (www.saskcrimestoppers.com).