Behchokǫ̀ residents told to shelter in place as RCMP respond to report of shots fired

RCMP are asking residents of Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T. to shelter in place away from windows and doors while they respond to a report of shots fired in the community.

Officers are searching for five or six individuals believed to be armed with long guns travelling on two snowmobiles, one of which is orange, RCMP said in a news release issued Friday at around 12:30 p.m.

“Additional police resources have been deployed to the community, and an increased police presence will be visible,” the release said.

“Do not post or otherwise communicate police locations in the community.”

Anyone who sees the suspects or who has information about where they are should contact Behchokǫ̀ RCMP at 867-392-1111 or 911 in an emergency, police said.

No injuries have been reported to police, and RCMP say they believe the incident was a “targeted attack.”

Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca-Zoe posted a notice on Facebook asking residents to refrain from posting videos or pictures of the RCMP.

“Let them do their job,” she wrote.

“Don’t give away their location. Stay indoors, lock your doors and stay calm.”

Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School are also both on lockdown, according to a post on the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School Facebook page.

All students are safe inside with staff, the school said.

Students will not be dismissed to go home for lunch. Instead, staff will be feeding them at the school, they said.

“Please DO NOT come to the school,” the post read.

“The doors are locked and will not be opened under any circumstances until the lockdown is officially cleared by the RCMP. We understand this can be a stressful situation, but please be assured that your children are safe and we are strictly following our emergency protocols.”

The community of about 2,000 people is located about 100 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife.