Police are asking drivers on Highway 11 in the Longlac and Ginoogaming First Nation area to avoid picking up hitchhikers as officers investigate reports of a shooting.
In a release, the OPP say officers from the Greenstone Detachment of the OPP and Anishinabek Police Service are responding to reports of two armed and dangerous individuals at large in the area of Ginoogaming First Nation.
The suspects are described as Black men, with one taller than the other. The taller male is wearing an all-grey jogging suit with braided hair, while the shorter one is wearing black pants and black shoes.
If the suspects are spotted, people are advised to avoid them and call 9-1-1 immediately.
As a precautionary measure, all public and Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Longlac and Long Lake #58 First Nation will be closed today.
The following institutions are affected:
- Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
- Marjorie Mills Public School
- École Notre-Dame-de-Fatima
- École secondaire Château-Jeunesse
- Migizi Wazisin Elementary School (MWES)
- Migizi Miigwanan Secondary School
Additionally, the Longlac Campus of Confederation College will be closed for the day.
These closures are being implemented out of caution to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the broader community.
OPP is also asking members of the public in the area to shelter-in-place as a precaution and lock all doors and windows.
Members of the public in Manitouwadge may continue their daily activities as normal as the alert has been lifted in that area but the public is asked to avoid the Ginoogaming area until further notice.
If you are driving, the police recommend you proceed directly to your destination and avoid unnecessary stops.
Members of the public can expect an increased police presence as police continue their investigation.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
The public is asked to follow the OPP on X at @OPP_NWR or on Facebook @OPPNorthWest for details as this incident unfolds.
