Update: Elijah Albert charged with attempted murder of RCMP officer

MUSKOWEKWAN FIRST NATION — Update 3: Saskatchewan RCMP’s Provincial General Investigation Section has charged Elijah Albert, 28, from Muskowekwan First Nation with attempted murder of an RCMP officer with a firearm, discharge a firearm with intent, uttering threats, and pointing a firearm.

Albert is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court on July 30.

Update 2: RCMP have confirmed that an officer was shot early Thursday when responding to a firearms report.

On July 24 at approximately 2 a.m., Punnichy RCMP responded to a report of an armed individual at a residence on Muskowekwan First Nation.

As officers arrived at the scene, a firearm was discharged, and an officer was struck, say RCMP. The officer was transported to hospital by EMS with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

An armed individual fled the residence on foot, say the police, adding there were other occupants in the residence, but none reported physical injuries to police.

Saskatchewan RCMP say they carefully monitored this situation, which included continual assessment as to whether a dangerous person alert was required.

At approximately 6:36 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP issued a dangerous person alert for the Muskowekwan First Nation and surrounding area.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team located the suspect at a rural location near Lestock. The area was contained and at approximately 8:50 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team took the suspect into custody, say police. The dangerous person alert was cancelled.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Provincial General Investigation Section is now in control of the investigation. Charges have not been laid at this time. Investigators do not believe there is any further elevated risk to public safety associated with this incident.

RCMP say further updates will be provided as they become available. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 310-RCMP (7267).

Update 1: The dangerous person alert issued by the Saskatchewan RCMP for the Muskowekwan First Nation area has been cancelled. RCMP arrested Elijah Albert at a rural location near Lestock.

The investigation continues. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Original post: Saskatchewan RCMP has issued a dangerous person alert for Muskowekwan First Nation and the surrounding area following reports of an armed individual in the community.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Elijah Albert, is believed to be in possession of a rifle. He was last seen wearing a blue sweater, blue jeans, and carrying a dark backpack. Authorities say he was last spotted heading into the bush near Muskowekwan First Nation and may be traveling on foot or riding a quad.

Residents in the area are being urged to take immediate precautions:

• Seek shelter and remain indoors.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Do not leave a secure location.
• Avoid picking up hitchhikers.
• Report any emergencies or sightings to 911.

RCMP are actively searching for Albert and are asking the public to remain vigilant. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.