Jailed man on life support after suicide try

Mike Shields, the manager of the Kuujjuaraapik airport, is in hospital following his suicide attempt last week in a jail cell at the Kativik Regional Police Force station in Kuujjuaraapik. (PHOTO HARVESTED FROM BEBO.COM)

A Kuujjuaraapik man who made an incomplete suicide attempt Sept. 14 inside a Kativik Regional Police Force jail cell remained on life support and in critical condition this week at a Montreal hospital.

A spokesperson at the Sûrété du Québec provincial police force said an outside police force will likely be asked to conduct an investigation if the man does not survive.

“Necessary organizations” had been notified about the incident by the KRPF, said Julie Grenier, the Kativik Regional Government communications coordinator, in a brief email communication received Sept. 23.

Michael (Mike) Shields, 46, manager of the Kuujjuaraapik airport, became intoxicated at a house party in the community, sources told Nunatsiaq News.

On his way home Shields’s vehicle was stopped by members of the KRPF. They arrested him, then held him in a cell at the police station.

After a guard discovered a suicide attempt, Shields was medevaced to Montreal.

On Sept. 23, Shields remained on life support at a Montreal hospital.

Shields’ family includes his longtime common-law partner Marlene Blacksmith, and seven children, Minnie Tookalook, Bobby Shields, Sandra Shields, Nicole Tukkiapik-Shields, Melanie Shields, Treydin Blacksmith-Shields and and Terrie-Lyne Blacksmith.