INUVIK - Invuik's veterinarian was arrested and is facing charges following a five-and-a-half hour standoff between police on Oct. 26.

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

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 who participated in the standoff said they were responding to a domestic violence call regarding several offences which the 42-year-old man allegedly committed between Oct. 17 and Oct. 24.

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

Doornbos said he was found 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 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 his wife, which allegedly occurred last April. As a result Krizan was bound by a recognizance, ordering him to, among other things, keep the peace and maintain good behaviour and have no contact with his wife. Doornbos wouldn't say whether it was Krizan's wife who contacted the police. Among the charges Krizan was charged with were four counts of failing to comply with a recognizance.

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

Krizan contacted the 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.

Krizan is also charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, which stemmed from an incident on Oct. 17 where Krizan was allegedly operating his vehicle recklessly on Airport Road. Doornbos would not comment further on that charge. The father of two is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and obstruction of justice. Krizan appeared in territorial court in Yellowknife last Friday and was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Nov. 9 in Yellowknife.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.