Youth charged with gun incident in Nunavut capital

Iqaluit RCMP began their search for a man yielding a gun around 4:20 on June 1. They arrested him about three hours later, in Apex. (PHOTO BY THOMAS ROHNER)

A male youth arrested by RCMP following an armed chase across Koojesse Inlet from Iqaluit’s breakwater June 1 has been released from custody, pending a court appearance.

A news release provided from Nunavut RCMP “V” Division says the young man was subsequently released on an undertaking and conditions and is expected to appear in youth court at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit July 8.

The teenager, 17, faces five charges including assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm and obstruction.

Iqaluit RCMP responded to a report of shots being fired near Iqaluit’s old cemetery at around 4:20 p.m. June 1.

The ensuing chase led the suspect across the sea ice towards Iqaluit’s satellite community of Apex.

Law enforcement shut down the road to Apex shortly afterwards as they set up a perimeter to contain the suspect.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., the suspect was arrested without incident. Though shots had been fired, police reported no injuries.

RCMP are continuing their investigation of the incident.

Members of the public who witnessed the incident are being asked to call the Iqaluit RCMP branch at 867-979-0123 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.