Update: Grey Bruce OPP End Shelter-in-Place for Sauble Falls, Investigation Continues
Police are asking people in the area of Rankin Bridge Road near Sauble Falls to seek shelter, lock doors and windows, and do not engage "the suspect" as an active incident is taking place.
Updated:
West Region OPP updated their original social media post at 11:40 p.m. on March 21:
“The shelter-in-place advisory in the area of Rankin Bridge Road in the Sauble Falls area has been lifted and members of the public may resume their regular activity. There is no immediate threat to public safety at this time. A police presence may remain in the area as officers continue their on-scene investigation. OPP thanks community members for their patience and understanding during this time.”
The information was not distributed via the OPP’s media portal. No further information was provided on why the advisory was issued, whether the person sought in the initial advisory had been identified or located, or whether anyone was taken into custody.
It is still unclear precisely what the OPP are investigating and whether there was an active threat taking place in the area between the two social media updates at 5:45 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.
Grey Bruce OPP released the following notice at 5:45 p.m. on social media and at 6:20 p.m. to media on Saturday, March 21:
“Members of the Grey Bruce Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are responding to responding to an active incident in the area Rankin Bridge Road in Sauble Falls.
Members of the public in this area are urged to shelter-in-place and adhere to the following safety precautions:
If you are outside, seek shelter immediately in a secure location.
If you are inside, remain there and lock all doors and windows.
Do not approach or engage with the suspect. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see or encounter them.
Close curtains or blinds to avoid drawing attention.
If driving, proceed directly to your destination and lock your doors upon arrival.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
Follow all instructions from officers on scene.
Individuals not currently in the affected area are requested to avoid travelling there until further notice. The public can expect an increased police presence as officers continue their investigation.
We recognize the significant emotional impact that receiving a shelter in place can cause. The OPP is taking every precaution necessary to resolve this situation. We ask all members of the public to take actions to protect their safety while police work to apprehend the individual.”
OPP said further information will be released as it becomes available.