On December 1, 2018 at approximately 11:30 PM the Gjoa Haven RCMP received a report of a youth male pointing a firearm at people as they passed by the youth`s residence. At that time the RCMP were already attending to a person at the health center who had allegedly been in a physical altercation with the same youth and were advised that there were children under the age of 10 still in the house.
Upon the arrival of the RCMP, the youth exited the residence, acknowledged the police and immediately re-entered the dwelling. Within a few minutes the RCMP members deescalated the situation and the youth male complied by exiting the dwelling without issue. Alcohol was a contributing factor to this event. Two rifles were seized from the home.
The youth has been charged with the following 13 Criminal Code Offences:
- 267 (a) - Assault with a weapon x3
- 86(1) - Careless use of a firearm
- 85 - Using Firearm in commission of Offence x3
- 91 - Unauthorized possession of firearm
- 87 - Pointing a Firearm
- 88 - Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
- 145 (3) – Fail to Comply with condition of undertaking x3
"Everyone is responsible for keeping children safe" said Inspector Mark Crowther. "As parents and guardians we must educate our youth on the hazards of alcohol and make them aware of firearm safety. This event could have been prevented."
The Nunavut RCMP want to remind Nunavummiut that under the Firearms Act, to obtain a license to use or borrow non-restricted firearms, an individual must successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC), pass the tests and obtain a license. Individuals aged 12 years or older are eligible to take the CFSC and Children under the age of 12 can take the course, but for educational purposes. Contact your local RCMP detachment for course details or the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000