Manitoba RCMP say they continue to search for a 39-year-old man in connection with the abduction of a woman earlier today on Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Police say Joshua Paupanekis is wanted in connection with the abduction of 20-year-old Raeanne Thomas, who RCMP believe is in immediate danger.

According to RCMP, officers from the Cross Lake detachment responded at approximately 5:40 a.m. Thursday to a report that Paupanekis had entered a home in the community and struck a 24-year-old male resident with a hammer. Police say he then abducted Thomas and fled the area.

RCMP say Paupanekis and Thomas are known to one another and the incident is being investigated as an act of intimate partner violence.

A dangerous person alert was issued Thursday morning through the Alert Ready system. Since then, multiple police units have been working in the community, with officers going door-to-door in an effort to locate both the suspect and the victim.

Additional RCMP officers from Winnipeg arrived in the community early Thursday afternoon to assist with the investigation.

While search efforts remain focused on Pimicikamak Cree Nation, which is approximately 500 km north of Winnipeg, police say it is possible Paupanekis has fled the community.

a young womanThe Manitoba RCMP says it is concerned for the safety of Raeanne Thomas and believe she is in immediate danger. (RCMP)

Thomas is described as being 20 years old, weighing approximately 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Paupanekis is described as being six feet tall, weighing about 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. RCMP say he is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

“Our officers are doing everything they can to safely locate Raeanne and arrest the suspect. The Manitoba RCMP’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to assist in coordinating all search and investigative efforts that are underway,” said Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba RCMP.

“We fear for Raeanne’s safety and urge the public to report any possible sightings immediately to the RCMP.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cross Lake RCMP detachment at 204-676-2600.

Cross Lake RCMP and RCMP Major Crime Services continue to investigate.