RCMP officials in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, revealed on Monday that two individuals from Alberta are facing multiple charges in connection with a recent shooting incident that led to three individuals being wounded, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place directive.
The town of Fort Smith was jolted early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted outside Dirty O’Fergie’s bar on McDougal Road around 2 a.m., necessitating a 13-hour lockdown for the community. The injured parties required medical attention outside the area, but all are currently in stable condition with prospects for recovery, although one individual has sustained severe, life-altering injuries.
Following the shooting, law enforcement took one person into custody over the weekend. Subsequently, Sheldon Tan, a 22-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, was charged on Monday with three counts of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and intentional discharge of a firearm.
Investigators disclosed that the shooting incident was triggered by a confrontation where an individual deployed bear spray outside the bar. Another man from Alberta, believed to be involved in the bear spray incident, has been apprehended and charged with assault involving a weapon and weapon possession. Both suspects have appeared in court and are currently being held in custody.
Although a third individual was initially detained, they were subsequently released without facing charges. The shooting incident coincided with the Fireweed Festival over the weekend, causing a temporary halt to the festivities due to the lockdown. However, the festival resumed once the lockdown was lifted.