A Pond Inlet man is facing multiple charges after allegedly pointing a firearm at several people inside a residence shortly after midnight on July 14.
Police say the suspect initially fled the scene on foot and it was unknown whether he was still armed. When RCMP located the 25-year-old man, he was "highly agitated and in distress," according to the Mounties.
"The suspect acted in a manner to suggest to the officers he was still in possession of a firearm and wanted the police to engage in force with him. The officers continued to work to resolve the situation through negotiation and de-escalation, resulting in the suspect surrendering to police," the RCMP stated in a news release issued Friday.
“The rapid and professional response of the Pond Inlet RCMP prevented any harm to
the community in this dangerous situation that could have potentially turned tragic,” said
RCMP Cpl. Jamie Savikataaq.
Health services helped offer support to the suspect after he was taken into custody, the police noted.
He has been charged with several offences including pointing a firearm.
A justice of the peace has released him with conditions. His next scheduled court appearance is July 27 in Pond Inlet. Police did not include his name in the news release.
The RCMP stated that they have dealt with 58 incidents involving firearms so far this year, and a total of 263 involving weapons of various kinds.
The police reminded residents that all firearms, including hunting rifles, are required by law to be properly secured and stored away from ammunition. Trigger locks are available in all detachments across the territory at no cost. To learn more about firearms safety please visit:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms