On September 19, 2023 Arviat RCMP responded to a report of a male driving while intoxicated in the community.
The investigation revealed that the male had assaulted an 18 year old female with his ATV and then took her against her will after assaulting a 50 year old male. The male then continued to drive through the community recklessly putting members of the public and police in harms way and making threats.
Aaron Okatsiak, 23 years old, turned himself into the Arviat police at which time he was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon x 3 (ATV), aggravated assault, uttering threats x 3, kidnapping, and dangerous operation of a conveyance.
A bail hearing was held and Okatsiak was released with numerous conditions, including house arrest, to appear in court in Arviat on October 3, 2023.
This was an intense and dynamic situation for the RCMP and the community. Cpl. Ivanova, on behalf of the Arviat RCMP, wants to thank the community members for their help and support in monitoring and reporting Okatsiak's location.