The incoming mayor of Faro says he can confirm there were “multiple injuries’’ after the RCMP said they are investigating reports of shots fired in the small community on Tuesday.

Jack Bowers did not say how many people had been injured, but added there was an “active shooting’’ in the town of 400 people.

The Star has learned from a long-time community resident that two people were shot to death by a man, and a third person was seriously injured by a gunshot. That information has been confirmed to the Star by several other sources.

The tragedy is believed to have involved a dispute between estranged ex-spouses.

The shootings took place shortly after noon Tuesday at multiple locations, the Star has learned.

The RCMP did not release any detailed information on the shootings before press time this afternoon. They were scheduled to hold a news conference in Whitehorse at approximately 2 p.m.

The Mounties did say a “possible suspect’’ was identified and an arrest made Tuesday afternoon in the town, which is about a four-hour drive northeast of Whitehorse.

Bowers said the call about shots fired came in a little after noon, and Faro immediately went into lockdown.

“There was a 911 cellphone release advising of the active shooter situation and for folks to remain in their homes and lock their doors,’’ he said in an interview.

Police asked residents to stay away from Harper Street, Yates Street and the Tintina subdivision.

The lockdown notice was rescinded at around 3 p.m., he added.

Employees at the lead-zinc mine were also locked down before they were cleared to leave the site at approximately 4 p.m.

However, the RCMP warned residents to stay away from several streets in the community, adding there was a significant first responder and police presence in the town.

“Us being a remote community, the major crimes and all the forensic people come from Vancouver, so it’ll be a few days until thorough details are released,’’ Bowers said.

“This is truly a tragic situation,” Premier Sandy Silver said in a statement issued Tuesday evening.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims. We stand with the people of Faro during this extremely difficult time.

“A co-ordinated, inter-agency response is ensuring critical supports are being provided to residents and emergency responders,” the premier said.

“Staff at Del Van Gorder School responded immediately to protect all students.

“Family and Children’s Services are working with Education officials to provide crisis response supports to the school community.

“Victims Services and the Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services are providing counselling and immediate assistance to the community.”

Silver said government officials have been in contact with the Town of Faro to offer any support that’s needed.

The premier said he knows there are multiple victims.

Flags outside Whitehorse city hall were lowered to half-staff this morning. As well, Yukon MLAs planned a moment of silence for the victims this afternoon, along with a statement from Speaker Jeremy Harper.

The chief and council of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation said Tuesday, “We as a community are devastated by the tragedy that shattered so many lives in your beautiful community.

“We want you to know that you are not alone. We, the community and citizens of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, stand beside you in solidarity during this difficult time.

“On behalf of all our citizens, we offer you our love, respect, prayers and heartfelt sympathy.

“We are here to provide you whatever support we as a nation can; to be there for you in your journey towards healing.”

Yukon Party MLA Stacey Hassard represents Faro in the legislature. A party spokesman advised the Star this morning it would have no comment until after the RCMP news conference.

Bowers was scheduled to be sworn-in as mayor on Tuesday afternoon when news of the shootings came in. A council meeting scheduled for Tuesday night was postponed until next week.

Both Bowers and Leonard Faber, the outgoing mayor, told the Star they have spoken to the RCMP.

Faber expressed shock at what has happened in the community.

“It’s like everybody involved in this is going to be affected one way or the other,’’ he said.

“It’s a very sad day. It’s going to affect a lot of people here and it’s going to be quite a solemn healing process.

“It’s going to take quite a while to get over this.’’

Yukon’s poet laureate, pj johnson, said from Whitehorse that the Yukon is a tight-knit community.

“People are very upset,’’ she added.

“This kind of thing just doesn’t happen here. The entire Yukon is basically one big neighbourhood. You kind of know everybody.”

N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane released a statement this morning.

“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the town of Faro, Yukon and all those affected by the shooting yesterday,” Cochrane said.

“As northerners, we are a tightknit community, and stand with you during this difficult and challenging time as you search for answers.”

Faro was created in 1969 with the opening of the massive mine, which closed in 1998.

By THE CANADIAN PRESS and STAR STAFF