Inuvik, Fort McPherson, and Tsiigehtchic residents are being told to stay inside due to an active gunman threat.
A dangerous person advisory alert posted by the RCMP on Alertable just after 2 p.m. states there is an armed man who may be travelling in a burgundy or red Ford pickup truck.
The alert urges people in those three N.W.T. communities connected by Highway 8 to shelter in a secure location and be cautious about letting people into their homes. It also warns people to not approach anyone suspicious and to not pick up hitchhikers.
Inuvik mayor Peter Clarkson said the alert was issued following reports a woman was shot at the airport around 1 p.m. and taken to the hospital.
He said the whereabouts of the alleged shooter is currently unknown.
“The RCMP were coming from Inuvik and the person wasn’t seen, I think they’re pursuing whether he went down the highway,” he said.
He said municipal facilities have shut down, and most of Inuvik’s stores as well.
“Until we hear from the RCMP that things are safe to open up again, we’re asking people to shelter-in-place for their own safety. As soon as we hear the shooter isn’t in Inuvik or has been captured, then we’ll lift that.”
The RCMP’s alert urges people to report any emergencies or information about suspicious activity to 911 – but to not disclose police operations through social media.
RCMP have been approached for comment.
