Overview of the incident
Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred in the Brunswick House First Nation community, located near Chapleau, Ontario. The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, prompting a precautionary shelter-in-place advisory for residents in the broader Brunswick House area. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and frontline officers.
What is known about the case
Initial reports indicate that police responded to a disturbance at a residential address within the community. An injured male was located at the scene. The severity of the injuries has not been fully disclosed, but officials state they are not believed to be life-threatening at this time. Detectives are actively gathering evidence as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Shelter-in-place advisories and safety guidance
The shelter-in-place order remains in effect as investigators work to locate a male suspect described by authorities. The safety guidance released to residents includes several practical steps to reduce risk during this period:
- If you are outside, seek shelter immediately in a secure location.
- If you are indoors, remain there and lock all doors and windows.
- Avoid engaging with any suspects; call 9-1-1 immediately if you encounter them.
- Close curtains or blinds to prevent drawing attention to your location.
- While driving, proceed directly to your destination and lock doors upon arrival.
- Avoid picking up hitchhikers or unnecessary travel in the affected area.
- Follow all instructions issued by officers on scene.
Authorities emphasize that motorists near the Brunswick House First Nation and Chapleau region should remain vigilant and limit nonessential stops. People outside the immediate area are asked to avoid traveling into the region until further notice to help ensure public safety.
Law enforcement response
The NAPS Emergency Response Team, along with frontline officers and allied agencies, are conducting a comprehensive search for the suspect. The level of police activity in the community is significant as investigators work to establish the sequence of events and identify potential witnesses. The Major Crimes Unit is coordinating the probe, and additional updates will be released as new information becomes available.
Impact on the community and next steps
Brunswick House First Nation residents are experiencing heightened anxiety as authorities work to resolve the incident. In addition to the active investigation, the disruption to everyday life, including the cancellation of school buses for Tuesday, Oct. 14, underscores the seriousness of the situation. NAPS says every precaution is being taken to ensure public safety and to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
Keeping the public informed
Officials encourage residents and the wider public to monitor official channels for real-time updates. For ongoing information, follow NAPS on X (formerly Twitter) at @NAPS_Police and Facebook at /NAPSPolice. The situation remains fluid, and further notices will be issued as they become available.
