Inuvik - A tense five-and-a-half-hour standoff between police and the town veterinarian last week ended peacefully.

Several police officers were involved in a standoff with Peter Krizan at his home on Carn Road on Tuesday, Oct. 26. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL

A team of police officers arrived at Peter Krizan's Carn Road residence at about 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26.

Cpl. Sean Doornbos, one of the police officers on scene, said they were responding to a violence complaint regarding several incidents which occurred between Oct. 17 and Oct. 24.

Initially Krizan, 42, refused to leave his home. Doornbos said crisis negotiators from Yellowknife RCMP were used and eventually convinced Krizan to leave his home.

Krizan contacted Inuvik Drum during the standoff. He said he was afraid to leave his house based on his prior dealings with police where he accused one officer of breaking his leg.

Doornbos wouldn't comment on that accusation.

Doornbos said Krizan is accused of being in possession of a butterfly knife, which is a prohibited weapon in Canada.

Judi Falfsnes, a neighbour of Krizan's who also owns Arctic Chalet on Carn Road, witnessed the standoff and likened the scene to that of something out of country western movie.

"It's like we were living in the wild west; The police chief had a big gun, a big rifle and other police had guns drawn. They wouldn't let us in and out of the driveway."

The road had remained closed to the public throughout the ordeal, which lasted until about 8 p.m.

At the time Krizan was already facing charges of assault and uttering threats against a woman, stemming from an incident last April.

As a result, Krizan was ordered to keep the peace, maintain good behaviour and have no contact with the woman.

Doornbos wouldn't say who contacted the police.

Among the charges against Krizan are four counts of failing to comply with a court order.

"We decided it was best to arrest Mr. Krizan as soon as possible (after the call)," said Doornbos.

Krizan is also charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, which stemmed from an incident on Oct. 17 where police responded to a report of a vehicle being operated recklessly on Airport Road. Doornbos would not comment further on that charge.

Krizan, a father of two, is also charged with obstruction of justice.

Krizan appeared in territorial court in Yellowknife last Friday and will be held in custody until his next court appearance on Nov. 9 in Yellowknife.

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