RCMP issues dangerous person alert for Onion Lake Cree Nation area

The Onion Lake RCMP issued a dangerous person alert Thursday morning for a man whom Mounties say was last seen carrying a gun in the area of the Onion Lake Cree Nation.

Just after 11 a.m., the Mounties issued the alert about 35-year-old Randy Cooke. He was described as being 5-foot-9 and about 160 pounds with brushed-cut black hair and brown eyes.

The RCMP said he was last known to be carrying a gun and travelling by foot, but his direction of travel wasn’t known.

The alert didn’t say what Cooke allegedly had done to prompt the alert.

The Mounties advised people who saw Cooke to not approach him and to call 911. It also urged people in the area of the Cree Nation to stay inside and away from windows.

“Do not leave a secure location,” the alert said. “Don’t pick up hitchhikers. Avoid travel to or within Onion Lake Cree Nation.”

Just after 3 p.m. the RCMP issued an update saying there is still an increased police presence in the Cree nation as officers search for Cooke.

“Officers will be in the community for an undetermined amount of time,” the RCMP said.

“Officers are thankful to the residents in the community for their patience and for providing the space required to conduct a thorough investigation.”

The RCMP said officers are working closely with local band security to redirect traffic during the search.

“An update will be provided as soon as more information becomes available,” the RCMP added. “If an increased risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.”

The Onion Lake Cree Nation is about 50 kilometres north of Lloydminster.