Mosquito First Nation locked down after gun threat

A lockdown at Mosquito First Nation was lifted around 6 p.m. They were put under lockdown around 2 p.m. Aug. 6 after a man allegedly uttered threats and RCMP believed he had a firearm. 

A steady stream of about 20 RCMP vehicles poured onto the First Nation, including an armored vehicle.

On Facebook the band urged members to remain indoors, lock their doors and windows because "an emergency arose."

No one was allowed in or out of the First Nation as the incident unfolded and vehicles waited along side the road for hours.

Two women who came home to Mosquito First Nation from Regina sat in their van with toddlers in the sweltering 32C heat.

Others posted on social media that they prayed for a peaceful end to the confrontation.

An elderly woman stood across the road quietly crying while another woman hugged her. She said she was worried about her children and grandchildren who were locked down in a home and she had left briefly to go to a nearby store.

Some residents expressed anger and said gang members were making threats to shoot people. RCMP haven’t confirmed this allegation.

Around 3:52 p.m. Mosquito First Nation posted on social media that someone was in custody.

At about 6:10 p.m. residents were allowed to return home.

RCMP say that one man was arrested by the RCMP Emergency Response Team without incident outside a residence. They haven't released his name or the charges.

RCMP say there may be continued officer presence by the North Batleford RCMP in the community while further investigation is completed.

Story updated 9:30 p.m. to include RCMP's arrest of one man.