Two people were shot while riding a quad in Pukatawagan, a fly-in First Nation in northern Manitoba, in the early hours of May 26, 2026. A 15-year-old boy was later arrested and now faces a series of firearm-related charges.
The RCMP received a report around 12:10 a.m. that a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy had been shot while travelling on an off-road vehicle. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to the local nursing station before being airlifted to Winnipeg. One victim had life-threatening injuries.
An emergency alert was issued at 1:45 a.m., telling residents to stay indoors and report anything suspicious. The RCMP Emergency Response Team and First Nation Safety Officers were brought in to help search for the suspect, who was identified but still at large.
By early evening that same day, officers arrested the 15-year-old boy at a home in the community. He remains in custody and faces charges including aggravated assault, discharging a firearm with intent, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Because of his age, his name cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Pukatawagan, also known as Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, is roughly 700 to 819 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg and accessible only by air. The community has experienced several serious shooting incidents in recent months, including two separate shootings in February 2025 and a lockdown in April 2026 following an armed home invasion.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Thompson RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
