'It was like Dog Day Afternoon'
RCMP evacuate Northwestel Building after gunshot report; later determined it was false
Cody Punter
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 9, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A tense morning that saw police officers draw their sidearms while evacuating the lower floor of the Northwestel Building ended without incident after reports of a gunshot on one of the upper floors turned out to be false.
RCMP Cpl. Todd Scaplen stated in a news release that officers responded to a report of a gunshot at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival and after an initial investigation, police did not find any evidence to support the complaint, he stated.
After telling Yellowknifer there was an investigation underway to determine what caused the complaint Scaplen informed the paper that 31-year-old William Leonard George Turner, formerly of Yellowknife, is being charged with public mischief in
relation to the call.
A warrant has been issued for Turner's arrest.
Fadil Memedi, who co-owns Javaroma with Rami Kassem and was in the store at the time, said police started showing up outside the coffee shop shortly after 10:45 a.m. He said at least five vehicles and 20 police officers – several of whom had their weapons drawn during the incident – surrounded the building during the evacuation.
"Suddenly we saw a lot of cops outside, and we didn't know what was going on," said Memedi. "It was like Dog Day Afternoon."
Scaplen could not say exactly how many officers responded, but told Yellowknifer all available officers would have been sent to the scene.
After one officer entered through the main doors with a large rifle, Memedi said two more entered Javaroma with their fingers held to their lips while encouraging the 40 or so customers and staff in the coffee house to stay quiet as they were escorted out the back door.
Upon leaving the building they were greeted by two officers who were waiting for them with guns drawn.
Once outside an officer told Kassem there were reports of a gun being fired and a large amount of blood was found on one of the building's upper levels. A short while after being escorted out of the building everyone was allowed to go back inside.
"In 10 minutes they had everything checked and apparently it was a false alarm," Memedi said. "It's a good thing. I'm glad for that. The report must have been pretty serious."
Kassem said he was relieved the call turned out to be a false alarm.
Kassem said he was comforted by how professional the police officers were during the brief scare.
"They were actually ready for anything," he said. "I'm proud of the response. They did a great job, I myself really appreciate it."
– with files from John McFadden
