The RCMP says it is increasing police resources in Pelican Narrows following another deadly shooting in the community amidst a spike in violent crimes.
Leaders from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and the Prince Albert Grand Council had called for more support for the community in recent weeks.
Speaking Tuesday, RCMP Chief Superintendent Murray Chamberlin said violent crime in the Pelican Narrows detachment area has increased by 49 per cent over the past decade and confirmed a new rotational policing model will be introduced this fall.
Under the plan, officers deployed from Saskatoon will be based in Pelican Narrows while also supporting policing operations in Sandy Bay, Deschambault Lake and Creighton.
Chamberlain said the model will provide “an increased presence in the community” and help maintain staffing levels while strengthening community engagement.
The announcement comes as RCMP continue to investigate Monday’s shooting in Pelican Narrows that left an adult woman dead and an adult man seriously injured.
RCMP had issued a dangerous person’s alert because of the shooting.
Investigators say the victims were shot at two separate locations along the same road before a suspect was arrested later that evening.
Acting Major Crimes Branch officer in charge Ashley St-Germain stressed that the investigation remains in its early stages.
“At this point in time, we have not laid charges,” she said. “We’re still combing through a ton of information, the crime scene, speaking to eyewitnesses and gathering other evidence.”
RCMP say multiple specialized units remain in the community and an increased police presence will continue as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
No charges have been announced, and police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and surveillance footage.
The RCMP says updates will be provided when it is appropriate to do so.