Man dies following police shooting
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, January 9, 2017
UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN
A man is dead following a police shooting in Gjoa Haven.
On Dec. 19, RCMP responded to a complaint that Charles Qirngnirq, 21, was at the airport armed with a rifle.
"Information received was that the individual may have been in a conflict with another person and was attempting to prevent that person from leaving the community," Sgt. David Lawson stated in a Dec. 20 release.
The two responding officers attempted to de-escalate the situation by directing Qirngnirq to set down his firearm, but he refused.
"Considering the risk to the officers' and public's safety, (he) was shot and injured by an officer on the scene," stated Lawson.
Police recovered the weapon and Qirngnirq was taken into custody. He was taken to the local health centre in critical condition, stated an initial Dec. 19 release, and died before he could be medevac'd for further treatment.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, community of Gjoa Haven and the RCMP members involved during this difficult time," stated Lawson. "The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Ottawa Police Service and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Nunavut."
The review will be independent and the RCMP will give full cooperation, he stated.
