For immediate release
July 28, 2019
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is reaching out to residents of York Factory First Nation to ask them to be aware that there has been a possible sighting of suspects Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky.
Until today, the RCMP believed that the two suspects were likely to be in the Fox Lake/Gillam area. Over the weekend, members of the Bear Clan Patrol travelled to Northern Manitoba to help provide a sense of safety to residents in the Fox Lake Cree Nation, York Factory First Nation, and War Lake First Nation.
Chief Leroy Constant of York Factory posted an update for community members on Facebook on July 28. He is asking all residents to:
- Park your vehicles
- Remain indoors with your doors locked
- Share this message with anyone who doesn’t use social media
The RCMP are arriving in the community to conduct a search for the two suspects at large. The RCMP are asking residents to NOT post any information on social media about the whereabouts of RCMP officers.
“This is a fluid situation. Everyone wants this to end today in a safe and controlled manner. Our prayers are with the residents of York Factory,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “We encourage people living in the York Factory area to remain vigilant while the RCMP conduct their search for these two suspects If you think you see these suspects, please consider them as dangerous. Do not approach them. Contact the RCMP immediately.”
You can call the Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822 if you have seen these two men over the last several days. The investigation is complex and evolving quickly. MKO will continue to provide any updates about this situation as they are received.
