Saskatchewan RCMP have issued a series of public alerts and are asking anyone around Thunder Rapids or Highway 123 to lock themselves in a secure location after a group of armed, masked men reportedly shot another person and stole their vehicle.
RCMP issued the first alert shortly before 10 a.m. CST on Thursday. It said police received a report of a robbery north of Prince Albert around 8:30 a.m. CST.
A second alert said the suspects were last seen at about 10 a.m. CST travelling north on Highway 123 toward Cumberland House.
A third alert sent at 10:38 a.m. CST said the suspects are believed to be on foot near Thunder Rapids, which is on Highway 123 about 60 kilometres northeast of Nipawin.
A fourth alert sent around Noon CST said officers from several RCMP detachments were in the area searching for the suspects. It said the alert was still in effect and that people in nearby areas should take precautions.
RCMP say initial investigation indicates a person in a vehicle near the White Star grain elevator was approached by multiple men in a vehicle. The victim was shot and had their vehicle stolen. They were transported to hospital with unknown injuries, police say.
Police say they believe the suspects are involved in multiple armed vehicle robberies.
They are described as three or four men who may be wearing black bandanas or balaclavas. Police say the suspects are believed to have a gun and should be considered dangerous.
They were seen driving a white 2020 Dodge Ram with Saskatchewan license plate RNF 50 (RCMP confirmed there are only five characters).
RCMP’s third alert said the men were then believed to be on foot.
Police urged people in the Thunder Rapids area or along Highway 123 to seek immediate shelter, and lock doors and windows.
They are also asking anyone driving in the area to be cautious of someone asking for a ride and not pick up hitchhikers.
Police will be active in the area and they are asking the public to not disclose the locations of officers.