Summerside Shelter-in-Place Lifted as Armed Suspect Mitchell Lannigan Arrested
Residents of Summerside, P.E.I., were urged to shelter in place early Wednesday morning as police searched for a man believed to be armed and dangerous. The man, 28-year-old Mitchell Thomas Lannigan, is now in custody, and authorities have confirmed there is no longer any threat to public safety.
Intense Manhunt Ends with Arrest
The emergency began just before 9 a.m. AT when an alert was issued, warning residents in the Water Street East area to stay indoors. Dozens of Summerside Police and RCMP officers, many with weapons drawn, canvassed the area. Police blocked off several roads, set up vehicle checkpoints, and focused their efforts between MacEwen Road and Reads Corner.
Just before 10 a.m., police issued a second alert, announcing that Lannigan had been captured. “The shelter-in-place has been lifted and there is no further threat to the public,” said Summerside Police in a news release.
Witnesses Say Suspect Tried to Escape by Kayak
Residents near Glovers Shore Road told CBC News that they saw a man enter a neighbour’s yard, take a kayak, and paddle away. Officers reportedly used kayaks from the same property to pursue the suspect. While police have not confirmed this detail, witnesses believe the escape attempt happened shortly before the arrest.
Background: What Prompted the Search
The manhunt followed a July 19 incident in Miminegash, where Lannigan allegedly fired a handgun during a confrontation in a parking lot. According to police, he did not shoot directly at anyone but fled the scene after the shots were fired.
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RCMP issued a warrant for his arrest earlier this week. Charges include:
- Assault
- Possession of a handgun
- Possession while prohibited
- Pointing a firearm (two counts)
- Careless use of a firearm
- Breach of probation
Although RCMP initially said Lannigan posed no threat to the public, that stance changed Wednesday morning, prompting the shelter-in-place order.
Community on Edge, But Cooperative
Residents followed police instructions as officers combed the area. Some had planned to go about their usual routines but remained inside after the emergency alert. “It was scary not knowing what was going on, but I’m glad it’s over,” said one local resident.
Do you think emergency alerts like this are effective in keeping communities safe, or do they create more fear than necessary?
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More…
- https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/summerside-police-issue-shelter-in-place-warning-as-they-search-for-armed-man
- https://ca.news.yahoo.com/public-urged-shelter-place-police-115351241.html
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-active-investigation-1.7591778
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