RCMP manhunt after stabbing spree in Saskatchewan
10 people were killed and at least 15 others were wounded in the mass stabbings.

KEY POINTS

  • The suspects are considered "armed and dangerous"
  • The mass stabbings took place across 13 different crime scenes
  • James Smith Cree Nation is under a state of emergency until the end of the month

Canadian police are searching for two suspects who they believe were involved in a stabbing spree early Sunday, which left 10 people dead and at least 15 others wounded.

Police believe 31-year-old Damien Sanderson and 30-year-old Myles Sanderson are behind the series of stabbings that happened at the sparsely populated community of James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and another nearby town, Reuters reported. Photos and descriptions of the two suspects have also been released to the public, but no other details are available.

The suspects are considered "armed and dangerous." It was unclear if the duo was related.

In a news briefing Sunday, the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police (SK RCMP), Rhonda Blackmore, said "it appears that some of the victims may have been targeted, and some may be random," noting that "to speak to a motive would be extremely difficult at this point in time."

The stabbings took place across 13 different crime scenes in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon. Most of the stabbings took place in James Smith Cree Nation, an indigenous community with about 200 residents.

In its critical alert update, police said it has received a report that the suspects "may be traveling in the Arcola Ave. area" on a "black, Nissan Rogue with SK license 119 MPI.

The first stabbing was reported at James Smith Cree Nation at around 5.40 a.m. Sunday. Police received multiple calls about additional stabbings "in the following minutes."

Authorities also issued a "dangerous persons alert" on Rosthern, Prince Albert, Candle Lake, Humboldt, and Melfort. Five alerts have since been issued across Saskatchewan as the search for the suspects continues.

Blackmore noted that "there may be additional injured victims who transported themselves to various hospitals."

In a statement, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "shocked and devastated by the horrific attacks." He urged Saskatchewan residents "to listen to the advice of law enforcement to take shelter and follow the proper precautions."

James Smith Cree Nation has been placed under a state of emergency until Sept. 30, the New York Times reported. Police have also asked residents in the neighboring provinces of Manitoba and Alberta to stay alert.