Second arrest made in Sitansisk emergency - cops
Fredericton Police Force confirms increased presence in First Nation community stemming from band council’s declaration of state of emergency due to drug crime
The Fredericton Police Force confirmed there will be enhanced law-enforcement presence in the Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation due to an emergency declaration.
The First Nation issued a statement Monday evening announcing Chief Allan Polchies and council had declared a state of emergency in the Indigenous community.
"Our community is facing escalating risks due to illegal drug activity which endangers the safety and wellbeing of our citizens, particularly our youth,” it said.
“In response, we are declaring a state of emergency to access additional resources through provincial and federal programs.”
Fredericton Police Force deputy chief Kim Quartermain confirmed there will be an increased police presence in Sitansisk as a result of its declaration of a state of emergency.
“Our patrol division members, supported by members working in other units, have an increased presence in the community and units available for quick response, as necessary,” she said in a written statement.
“We meet regularly with Sitansisk Chief and council and have met specifically about the recent incidents in the area and are committed to supporting them.”
The emergency status stems from a volatile situation in the First Nation community Sunday evening that saw hundreds of people gathering in the area of Bear Lane.
It prompted a major first-responder presence in the community, with numerous officers with the city police force and RCMP showing up on the scene, along with personnel from the Fredericton Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick.
The Fredericton Police Force reported that one male suspect was arrested at the scene Sunday night on suspicion of assault with a weapon, and he was released on conditions.
Quartermain said another arrest was made Monday as a result of the developing situation.
“The safety of Sitansisk is always a priority for the Fredericton Police Force,” she said in her written statement.
“Police arrested one individual on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, on the charge of assault with a weapon. Police arrested another individual Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, on a charge of breach of the peace. Both incidents remain under investigation.”
However, after the Fredericton Independent published this story, the police force issued a revised statement Tuesday, noting the second arrest, while being for a breach of the peace, wasn’t expected to lead to a charge.
Sitansisk’s statement indicated the initial stages of the emergency state Monday and Tuesday were critical, and it directed members of the community to remain at home, keep children inside and to avoid gatherings.
In particular, it urged residents to refrain from gathering to view police responses in the community during the emergency period.
“The battle against drugs is one which demands unity and a collective commitment to safety,” the statement said.
“The actions of each individual impact the overall safety and success of our community's efforts. We cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent in the face of this threat.”
When asked about what role, if any, the Mounties might play in the community during the state of emergency, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said the Fredericton Police Force is taking the lead on it. However, he noted the city police force is one of the RCMP’s policing partners, and the RCMP is always at the ready to assist when it’s requested.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.