- Three people were wounded in a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Dirty O’Fergie’s bar during the Fireweed Festival on Saturday night.
- Police arrested two 'persons of interest' on Saturday afternoon as part of the investigation into the shooting.
- A shelter-in-place order was issued, keeping residents at home and cancelling much of the festival's programming until after 4pm on Saturday.
- RCMP arrested the suspect at approximately 4:30am on Sunday without incident.
- Charges are pending against the suspect as the investigation continues, according to police statements made on Sunday.
- Witnesses are being sought by the RCMP, who have asked anyone present during the altercation to come to the Fort Smith detachment on Monday between 1pm and 9pm.
RCMP in Fort Smith arrested a suspect in a shooting that left three people injured at Dirty O’Fergie’s bar during the Fireweed Festival. The incident occurred on Saturday night, shortly after music performances concluded, prompting a shelter-in-place order that disrupted festival activities.12
The shooting took place in the parking lot of the bar, leading to a significant police response. Insp James Lai, officer in charge of NWT RCMP’s south district, praised the “tireless efforts of our officers and specialized units” that led to the suspect's arrest at approximately 4:30am on Sunday, August 23. The arrest was made without incident, and charges are pending as the investigation continues.6
Earlier on Saturday, police had arrested two “persons of interest” related to the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the broader altercation to come forward and speak with investigators at the Fort Smith detachment on Monday between 1pm and 9pm. The shooting has raised concerns within the community, as the Fireweed Festival is a significant annual event.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted after 4pm on Saturday, allowing residents to leave their homes, but much of the festival's programming was canceled due to the incident. The RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and its aftermath.
“The shooting occurred in the bar's parking lot after music wrapped up for the night, prompting a shelter-in-place that cancelled much of Saturday's festival programming until after 4pm. Police had earlier arrested two persons of interest, and witnesses are asked to come forward Monday.”
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