Image: Tara Clow

We’koqma’q First Nation announced on social media that the community is safe after a lockdown following a shooting.

Businesses and community buildings were ordered to close but things are returning to normal after a tense day on the First Nation.

An 18-year-old suspect was arrested in relation to the shooting at 2:56PM and the firearm that was used has been recovered. It was reported that surveillance footage was used to identify the person responsible.

The gunfire was reported around 1:30 a.m., and the shots were fired at a vehicle that was occupied by a woman and a child.

RCMP Corporal Chris Marshall says the vehicle was driving down Highway 105 when the shots were fired, and no one was injured.

“We are always going to do what is best to protect our community,” stated We’koqma’q First Nation Chief Annie Bernard Daisley. “Every avenue was taken to protect our community today nothing was left unturned, and I am so grateful that everyone was safe, and no one was hurt. She would like to thank the emergency response workers for their hard work.

The Inverness County District RCMP responded to a report of a break-in at the local hardware store on Highway 105 that occurred overnight, and ammunition was stolen.

These two incidents are believed to be related and the suspect will remain in custody as the investigation continues.