Ginoogaming First Nation, Ont. — Police are urging residents of Ginoogaming First Nation to shelter in place as they search for two armed and dangerous individuals believed to be at large in the area.
According to a release issued by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) around 6 a.m. Wednesday, officers from both the OPP and the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) are responding to an unfolding situation near Longlac, about 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.
The suspects are described as Black males, one taller than the other. The taller suspect was last seen wearing a grey jogging suit and has braided hair, while the shorter suspect was wearing black pants and black shoes.
Police have warned residents to lock all doors and windows, close curtains, and stay indoors until further notice. Drivers are being told to avoid unnecessary stops and not to pick up hitchhikers along Highway 11 between Longlac and Ginoogaming.
“We recognize the significant emotional impact sheltering in place can cause. The OPP is taking every precaution necessary to resolve this situation,” the release stated.
Matthew Donovan, deputy mayor of Greenstone, said residents were anxious but cooperative.
“We do understand that this can be stressful,” he said. “It’s certainly a dose of the outside world — something we’re not used to experiencing up this way.”
The Municipality of Greenstone has closed multiple services, including Friends of the North Daycare, the Seniors Centre, and the Municipal Ward Office in Longlac.
All public and Catholic elementary schools in Longlac and Long Lake #58 First Nation are also closed for the day. Confederation College’s Longlac campus remains closed, while Geraldton Composite High School and B.A. Parker Public School remain open, though bus transportation for Longlac and Ginoogaming students has been cancelled.
An earlier emergency alert for the nearby town of Manitouwadge has now been lifted, police confirmed.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and call 911 immediately if they spot the suspects, but to avoid any confrontation.
“No one should attempt to approach them,” said the OPP. “We are working to bring this situation to a safe resolution.”
