Damien and Myles Sanderson remain at large. (RCMP)

By paNOW Staff

Crime

‘It is horrific’:10 dead and 15 sent to hospital after mass stabbing in Northeast Sask.

Sep 4, 2022 | 4:39 PM

Saskatchewan RCMP have confirmed 10 people have died and 15 others were transported to hospital with injuries in relation to a stabbing rampage that began Sunday morning on the James Smith Cree Nation.

The suspects, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, are still on the loose.

It all began around 5:40 a.m. when RCMP received the initial call about a reported stabbing on the James Smith Cree Nation.

In a media conference held in Regina Sunday afternoon, A/Commr. Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, said in the minutes after the initial report, police received multiple calls about additional stabbings at various locations in the community and surrounding area.

The deceased were located on James Smith Cree Nation and in nearby Weldon. Police said it appears some of the attacks against victims were targeted and some were random.

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The suspects are believed to be driving a black Nissan Rogue with SK license 119 MPI.

RCMP then received a report the suspects were seen traveling in the Arcola Ave area around 11:45 a.m. in Regina.

Regina’s Chief of Police Evan Bray said there have been no further sightings but officers are operating as if the suspects are still in the city.

Multiple police forces across the province are assisting in the investigation. They are asking the public to remain vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity and stay indoors.
Blackmore said police do not know if the suspects changed vehicles or the direction they headed.

“It is horrific what has happened in our province today,” Blackmore said.

The relationship between the two suspects is unknown. Damien Sanderson is 5 foot 7 and 155 lbs with black hair, brown eyes. Myles Sanderson is 6 foot 1 and 240 lbs with brown hair and eyes.

Police said there could be more victims beyond the 10 deceased and 15 injured that they know of. A spokeswoman for the Saskatchewan Health Authority said they activated their
emergency response processes this morning in response to the incident at James Smith Cree Nation. This includes initiating protocols for accepting a higher number of critical patients (Code Orange).

“The situation is evolving, as a result of that, we have limited information that we can provide at this time. We can confirm that multiple people are being triaged and cared for at multiple sites and that a call for additional staff to help respond to this situation has occurred. Our medical teams are working hard to respond to patient needs as this incident unfolds. We are unable to confirm additional details at this time due to the evolving nature of the situation.”

According to a statement from the Sask Health Authority, emergency response processes have been activated, which includes initiating protocols for accepting a higher number of critical patients (Code Orange).

“We can confirm that multiple people are being triaged and cared for at multiple sites and that a call for additional staff to help respond to this situation has occurred. Our medical teams are working hard to respond to patient needs as this incident unfolds,” the SHA said.

JSCN declares state of emergency

On Sunday, the elected leaders of James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) unanimously declared a state of emergency.

The JSCN leaders are Chiefs and Councillors who represent JSCN’s three communities, including Chakastaypasin Band and Peter Chapman Band.

JSCN call this state of emergency to the attention of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA), Athabasca Health Authority (AHA), Canadian Red Cross, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), and the Ministry of Health-Province of Saskatchewan.

Two Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) have been set up to help provide health support to the communities.

Police on high alert

With the Labour Day Classic underway in Regina at Mosaic Stadium, additional police and security have been deployed to ensure public safety. Police have been observed at the entrances to a number of communities including Prince Albert.

The RCMP alert for the two suspects has also been extended to both Alberta and Manitoba.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow