The Manitoba RCMP has issued a Dangerous Person Alert through the Alert Ready system for Pimicikamak Cree Nation and surrounding areas as officers search for 39-year-old Joshua Paupanekis.

At 5:40 am, Cross Lake RCMP responded to a report of an aggravated assault at a residence in the community.

The subsequent investigation has determined that 39-year-old Joshua Paupanekis, entered a home in Pimicikamak Cree Nation and struck a 24-year-old resident with a hammer.

The suspect, who also armed with a knife, then abducted a 20-year-old female from the residence. Joshua Paupanekis was last seen fleeing on foot with the victim.

There is a large-scale search effort with multiple police units underway in the community to locate the victim, 20-year-old Raeanne Thomas. The RCMP believes she is in immediate danger.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 39-year-old Joshua Paupanekis, who we request the public to not approach as he is considered armed and dangerous, and/or 20-year-old Raeanne Thomas, is asked to contact the Cross Lake RCMP Detachment at 204-676-2600.

Cross Lake RCMP, along with Police Dog Services, continue to investigate.