Two men are in custody in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, after shots were fired in the city overnight. There were no injuries to police, witnesses, or others. One of the men arrested had injuries assessed after police used a non-lethal intervention option during the arrest.
On October 27, 2021, at around 10:20 pm, police received multiple calls of shots fired from a building in a downtown neighbourhood. Whitehorse RCMP attended immediately, contained the area around the building, and deployed the Yukon RCMP Critical Incident Program. For safety of its residents, staff at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter were made aware of this incident as it was in the proximity of the shelter.
During the incident, two male suspects exited the building, and one male was arrested without incident. The other, who was carrying a firearm as he exited, did not comply with further direction from police after discarding the firearm. In considering public safety and risk to both police and bystanders, police deployed a less lethal extended range impact weapon to the suspect. The suspect was uninjured and the deployment of this tool allowed police to safely take him into custody. The man was found to be carrying a knife and multiple loose rounds in addition to the firearm. The investigation continues.
The extended range impact weapon is a less lethal option that fires large sponge or silicon-tipped rounds. It is considered an intermediate weapon in the RCMP Incident Management Intervention Model (IMIM). More information about the IMIM is available from the RCMP here.
Donald William Henry, age 47, of Whitehorse, is facing the following charges related to this incident:
- Carrying a firearm for a purpose dangerous to the public peace (section 88, Criminal Code)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (Section 91(1) Criminal Code)
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession was unauthorized (Section 92(1) Criminal Code)
- Pointing a firearm (Section 87, Criminal Code)
- Utter threats (Section 264.1(1)(a) Criminal Code)
- Using a firearm in a careless manner (Section 86(1) Criminal Code)
The other man arrested will be released without charges. His name will not be released by police.
Mr. Henry had an initial court appearance on October 28, 2021, and was held in custody pending future court appearances.
Inspector Lindsay Ellis, Detachment Commander of Whitehorse RCMP, says that the police had public safety at top of mind in responding to this call.
"This is the most recent high risk incident that police officers in Whitehorse and in the Territory have responded to within the last week," says Insp. Ellis. "Further investigation on this matter is underway in order to support the court process, and details on this incident may be made available as appropriate".
RCMP are also appealing to and advising the public that a bag containing police equipment is missing after this incident. The public is asked to be on the look out for green duffel bag, and the following items (photos attached):
- Two Noise Flash Distraction Devices
- Up to four Tri Chamber CS gas canisters
- Up to six 40 mm impact rounds
- Up to four 40 mm ferret CS rounds
While these are not weapons, these tools could pose harm to individuals if incorrectly handled. Anyone who encounters these items should not touch them, and should contact RCMP immediately. Anyone with information about these items, please contact RCMP or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.
In addition to the response from Dispatchers and front-line officers on duty, police appreciated the excellent collaboration with the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter staff, residents and persons in the area.