Nunavut RCMP intensify efforts to obtain wanted man’s surrender

The Nunavut RCMP said it hopes David Mikkigak, still at large in Cape Dorset—and seen here in a photo from Facebook—will surrender “peacefully.” (RCMP HANDOUT PHOTO)

(Updated, Aug. 21, 3 p.m.)

Members of the RCMP say they continue to work with people in Cape Dorset in the hope that David Mikkigak, now at large for seven weeks on the land outside the community, will “surrender peacefully” to police.

Mikkigak, 37, of Cape Dorset, is wanted for a number of criminal offences alleged to have occurred in June including assault and forcible confinement— and, more recently, for firearms-related offences.

“David Mikkigak has a history of violence towards the police, and towards others—most recently with shots fired at a number of boaters,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Mark Crowther in a Aug. 21 release. “Our approach has to be a measured one—for our safety and for David’s. We hoping he comes to his senses and makes the right decision for everyone involved.”

The RCMP has already issued two news releases, on Aug. 14 and Aug. 18, in an effort to urge Mikkigak to surrender peacefully.

In the most recent release, issued Aug. 21, the RCMP said they continue to work towards a “peaceful resolution,” working with residents and Mikkigak’s family in Cape Dorset, in what they called a “measured approach” to see him surrender to police.

The RCMP continues to look at “all options” to take Mikkigak into custody, the release said.

The releases say police have made a “concerted” effort to contact Mikkigak—”both directly and indirectly through the assistance of friends and relatives.”

Police have also talked to elders.

The RCMP also flew in additional police resources from Iqaluit to Cape Dorset over the weekend to ensure “safety and security” of people in the community.

Police continue to repeat a warning to the 1,500 or so people who live in Cape Dorset “to exercise caution when outside the community and on the land.”

That’s after Mikkigak allegedly fired shots Aug. 14 from a high-powered rifle in the direction of some boaters who were gathering carving stone.

In the Aug. 21 release, Crowther continued to target people who may be assisting Mikkigak, saying it’s “imperative” that they stop providing supplies and equipment to assist Mikkigak evade police.

“You can assist our efforts at making this work, and in turn make it easier for David,” he said.

In an earlier direct appeal to Mikkigak on Aug. 18, Crowther also said “you have people who care for your well-being, and that includes your family at home. They want to see you.”

Crowther said then that the RCMP would like to communicate with Mikkigak so that “we can end this peacefully ”

“Our members are looking to contact David through friends or relatives. Please talk to us. Communicate. We can resolve this peacefully.”

Mikkigak, who has a long history of violent criminal behaviour, pleaded guilty in 2010 to three counts of assault, one aggravated assault and one breach of undertaking, for drinking when he wasn’t supposed to, for stabbing his sister’s common-law husband.

Mikkigak’s sentence amounted to four years but he got two-for-one credit for the 19 months he spent in remand at the Baffin Correctional Centre waiting for his case to be dealt with in court.

That meant he had nine months of incarceration left to serve at the time of sentencing. He was also given a 15-year firearms prohibition.

At that sentencing, Justice Robert Kilpatrick said this was Mikkigak’s last chance and that he was “skeptical” that Mikkigak would be able to keep out of trouble in the future, especially if he drinks.

“Uncontrollable rage is inside you, sir. This is what your record tells me,” the judge told Mikkigak.

Anyone with information on Mikkigak’s whereabouts can provide it anonymously to RCMP at (867) 897-1111; through Nunavut Crime stoppers at (800) 222-8477; and through social media.