Whitehorse RCMP responded to multiple high risk calls in the city during the afternoon and early evening of April 19, 2023. While police continue to investigate and collect information, with safety of the public as a priority in the response.
At approximately 3:35 pm, police received a call that a group of young people had been bear sprayed in downtown Whitehorse. Police were notified approximately 45 minutes after the incident. During subsequent police patrols, the suspects were not located likely due to the time delay. Investigators already spoke with businesses in the area that may have surveillance video of the incident. Anyone who was travelling around 2nd Avenue and Main Street in Whitehorse between around 2:30pm and 3:30pm and may have witnessed or have dashcam footage of this incident is encouraged to contact Whitehorse RCMP.
At 5:00pm, police were called to respond to a weapons complaint of two men chasing people with weapons (a screwdriver and possibly a drywall knife) in the downtown core. Police attended and two people were arrested related to this call and were later released without charges. There were no injuries reported.
At the same time that members were responding to the above call, police received another call of an assault, reportedly with significant injuries. The person was also in the downtown area of Whitehorse, near 4th Avenue and Alexander Street. Police are continuing to investigate this incident and support the victim. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Whitehorse RCMP.
Finally, at approximately 5:40 pm, officers were called to a dispute in which it was reported that one person had threatened another with a firearm inside a residence. General duty officers attended the location, off the Alaska Highway within the city of Whitehorse, along with Yukon RCMP Police Dog Service. One person was arrested, and over the course of the investigation, police seized a loaded restricted firearm, brass knuckles, and a substance believed to be cocaine, among other evidence. Angel Rear, age 21 of Whitehorse, had an initial court appearance on April 20. She was faces seven charges including possession of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, and utter threats, and she remains in custody.
It is not believed that the above files are linked, and Whitehorse RCMP continue to investigate.
"Although the calls for service experienced by Whitehorse Detachment on the afternoon of April 19, 2023, were exceptional in the timing and the seriousness of the calls, this situation is but one example of the increase in intensity of violence and the perception of the rate of violence in Yukon communities, including Whitehorse. Yukon RCMP are prepared to continue to respond appropriately and as required to ensure public safety and investigate all calls for service in a thorough manner. We will continue to work with community partners to effect quality service and participate in solutions to support overall community safety and wellbeing," said Superintendent Lindsay Ellis, Criminal Operations Officer for the Yukon RCMP.
Anyone with information about these matters is encouraged to contact the Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555 ext 1. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers via phone at 867-667-6715 or online at www.crimestoppersyukon.ca.