Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

PANGNIRTUNG (Jul 27/98) - What started out as a drinking party in Pangnirtung quickly escalated into a vicious rampage last Monday morning.

Charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and damage to property over $5,000 is Johnnylee Akpalialuk, 26. His 32-year-old brother, Jimmy Akpalialuk, has been charged with damage to property under $5,000.

A third suspect, a young offender, has not yet been taken into custody but Cpl. Graeme Shaw of the Pangnirtung RCMP detachment said they are about to make the arrest. All three men were previously known to the police.

Shaw said the incident began when he awoke before 6 a.m. July 20, with several calls from community members complaining about three individuals smashing house and car windows.

"It was precipitated by nothing more than liquor, drinking," said Shaw.

He explained that the incident escalated after one resident decided to confront two of the suspects in a non-violent manner.

One man returned to his home and came back to the scene with a high-powered rifle. He pointed it in the direction of the resident and fired two shots but missed.

Shaw said that he and Const. Maureen Levy then drove by the resident's house and were flagged down.

It was at this time that one man fired two more shots at the police vehicle, prompting the officers to call for backup from Iqaluit.

The suspects retreated to their home but one of them gave himself up moments later. Another man, however, remained in the house with the rifle, forcing the RCMP to contact the local radio station, asking residents to remain inside their homes.

By 10 a.m., seven members from the Iqaluit police force had arrived in Pangnirtung and helped secure the perimeter. The officers also evacuate 35 or 40 surrounding homes.

"The incident paralysed the community. Businesses were not open, no one was on the streets," said Shaw.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., contact was made with the last gunman, who gave himself up 15 minutes later.

Shaw said the community was relieved that no one was hurt in the incident, "Other than being terrified."

He estimated the damage just in broken glass to be between $25,000 and $30,000.

Rebecca Mike, one of the residents whose house and van windows were smashed, lives close to the area where the standoff occurred.

"It was tense. We were hoping they wouldn't have to use their rifles," said Mike, who added that she was scared for the safety of her five children.

"It's not that easy to keep them indoors. For five or six hours, we couldn't leave our house."

Johnnylee appeared before a justice of the peace July 24, but the matter was remanded until July 31.