Authorities have apprehended the individual responsible for what law enforcement termed a “mass shooting” in Fort Smith, N.W.T., over the weekend. The arrest of the suspect took place without any issues around 4:30 a.m. MT on Sunday, as per a police announcement. Pending further investigation, charges are expected to be filed. The suspect is now in custody along with two other individuals of interest who were detained on Saturday.
Expressing a sense of relief, Mayor Dana Fergusson remarked on the development, stating, “It’s one more bad guy out of the community, you know.” She emphasized the comfort brought to the community by the detention and arrest of the individual.
Mayor’s Eye-Witness Account
Dana Fergusson, also the owner of the bar where the shooting transpired, besides serving as the mayor of Fort Smith, witnessed the incident. The altercation that led to gunshots and three individuals sustaining injuries occurred outside Dirty O’Fergies bar, coinciding with the conclusion of the Fireweed Festival’s opening event. Following the shooting, the community was placed on lockdown for over 13 hours, with a shelter-in-place directive issued.
Fergusson, who was present in the parking lot during the incident, aided the victims and ensured others’ safety until emergency services arrived.
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While the identities of the victims and the specifics of their injuries are yet to be disclosed, Fergusson mentioned that they were medically evacuated from the community. She expressed optimism about the victims’ recovery process, highlighting the support extended by their families.
Significantly bolstered police presence, with reinforcements from Yellowknife and Yukon, was observed in the search for the suspect. RCMP Inspector James Lai commended the tireless efforts of the officers and specialized units in resolving the incident, assuring the community of Fort Smith’s safety.
Following the lifting of the lockdown, community members rallied to aid those in need, from
