RCMP officials in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, disclosed on Monday that two individuals from Alberta are facing multiple charges in connection with a shooting incident over the weekend that resulted in a shelter-in-place order and left three individuals wounded.
The town of Fort Smith was shaken in the early hours of Saturday when gunfire erupted outside Dirty O’Fergie’s bar on McDougal Road around 2 a.m., triggering a lockdown that lasted for 13 hours. Three individuals sustained injuries, requiring medical treatment outside the region. The RCMP confirmed on Monday that all victims are in stable condition, with the exception of one individual who sustained severe injuries.
Following the incident, one person was apprehended by the RCMP over the weekend. In an update on Monday, the police identified Sheldon Tan, a 22-year-old from Calgary, as facing charges including three counts of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and discharging a firearm with intent.
Investigations revealed that the shooting transpired after a confrontation where one individual discharged bear spray outside the bar. Another individual from Alberta who also discharged bear spray has been arrested and charged with assault with a weapon and weapon possession. Both suspects have appeared in court and are currently in custody.
Additionally, a third individual was initially arrested but has since been released without charges. The shooting incident coincided with the annual Fireweed Festival over the weekend, causing a temporary halt to the event due to the lockdown. However, the festival resumed once the lockdown was lifted.