Iqaluit standoff ends peacefully

Iqaluit RCMP and bylaw officers blocked traffic in three directions near the old courthouse on Sunday afternoon as they negotiated with a man threatening to commit suicide with a rifle.

After two hours, the incident ended peacefully. Police took the 26-year-old man to hospital, where he was later released.

RCMP have not released the name of the man, and no charges were laid.

Despite the roadblocks, kids gathered inside the cordoned-off area during negotiations to watch as a policeman crept around the back of the building with his firearm drawn.

Police remind parents to keep an eye on their small children playing outside, and to speak to them about staying clear of areas blocked off.