Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 29/02) - A 20-year-old Iqaluit man is facing a charge of assault with a weapon following a Toonik Tyme snowmobile race.

The man allegedly drove into a crowd of spectators and hit the child following an April 20 race on the sea ice. The incident took place around 2 p.m.

RCMP Cpl. Bob Pilot said the child suffered only minor injuries.

He warned, however, that a snowmobile can be considered a weapon "when you hit someone with it."

The accused was released with the conditions that he keep the peace, avoid alcohol, stays away from the victim and doesn't drive any vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in justice of peace court in Iqaluit on May 24.

Tom Bragard, manager of services and inspections with motor vehicles for the Department of Community Government and Transportation, said he couldn't comment on the RCMP's investigation, saying only that the incident "was tragic and completely preventable."