Ongoing investigation after Sunday shooting in Brunswick House First Nation
Residents of Brunswick House First Nation in the Chapleau area are facing a precautionary shelter-in-place as the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate a shooting that occurred in the community on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 12. Police say an injured male was located at a residential address, and while the full extent of injuries is not yet known, officials do not believe they are life-threatening. A male suspect remains at large and is being sought by NAPS with assistance from frontline officers and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The investigation has prompted a broader response, including the deployment of emergency teams and the dispersal of information to residents about how to stay safe. The public is asked to follow police directions closely as the search efforts proceed and to avoid the area if not necessary.
What shelter-in-place means for the community
A shelter-in-place advisory has been issued for Brunswick House First Nation and nearby areas. This measure is designed to limit movement and exposure to potential danger while law enforcement works to locate the suspect. School bus service for Brunswick House students was canceled for Tuesday, Oct. 14, as a precautionary step.
Authorities stressed the importance of taking basic safety measures during the advisory:
- If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a secure structure immediately.
- If you are indoors, lock all doors and windows and remain inside.
- Avoid approaching or engaging with anyone who may be involved; call 9-1-1 if you see or encounter them.
- Close curtains or blinds to reduce visibility from outside.
- If driving, travel directly to your destination and lock doors upon arrival; do not pick up hitchhikers.
- Follow all on-scene instructions from police and emergency personnel.
Public safety and ongoing monitoring
Police officials emphasize that this is a precautionary measure while efforts to locate the suspect continue. The NAPS Emergency Response Team, frontline officers, and officers from the OPP are participating in the search, and the situation remains fluid as the investigation unfolds. The public should stay calm, avoid non-essential travel to the Brunswick House and Chapleau area, and remain vigilant for additional updates.
NAPS recognizes that these developments can cause anxiety within the community. Officials say every precaution is being taken to ensure public safety and to bring the situation to a safe resolution. Updates will be released as new information becomes available, with real-time notices shared on NAPS’s official channels.
How to stay informed
For the latest information, residents and concerned parties are advised to follow Nishnawbe Aski Police Service on X (formerly Twitter) at @NAPS_Police and to check the NAPS Facebook page at /NAPSPolice for ongoing updates. Community members are urged to rely on official communications rather than unverified social media posts during the shelter-in-place period.
What this means for travel and daily routines
In addition to school transportation disruptions, local residents should plan for potential changes to travel routes and delays in the Brunswick House area. Police request that travelers exercise heightened caution and respect the safety measures in place until the area is declared safe.
Context and next steps
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with investigators working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. While authorities have not released full details about a potential motive or the condition of the injured person, they reiterated that the immediate priority is public safety and the swift apprehension of the suspect. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Visuals of the ongoing response (police presence, cordoned streets, and community members following advisories) are expected to be released by NAPS as appropriate. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to remain indoors, stay connected with official briefings, and cooperate with law enforcement when contacted.
