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Arviat (July 04/01) - Two Arviat men are facing assault charges after a police officer was attacked last week.
The attack happened on Monday, June 25, in Arviat when an RCMP officer responded to a report of a break and enter. According to police, two men wielding a pipe and a piece of lumber assaulted the officer.
Luke Pingushat, 20, and Vernon Kritaqliluk, 27, are both charged with assaulting a police officer and assault with a weapon.
Police refuse to give any details but rumours are flying around the community.
Const. Mark Tindall, spokesperson for the community detachment, said the officer was investigating a series of break-ins when the attack happened.
On Sunday night a break-in was reported at Eskimo Point Lumber. Ryan St. John, operations manager for the store, said cash, cheques and junk food were stolen.
According to police, one man at the scene picked up a piece of pipe and hit the officer on the hand. Then he picked up a piece of lumber and struck the officer twice.
A bystander ran in to help the officer but was confronted by a second man, who then allegedly attacked the bystander with a piece of wood.
Unofficial reports from witnesses say the officer responded with pepper spray, but Tindall refused to confirm the report, saying only that no firearms were drawn and no one was hurt.
RCMP Const. Rick Marthiensen said tensions were running high in the community and "people are upset."
St. John said the summer has brought a rash of crime to the community. Another Arviat resident said tough RCMP tactics don't fly in the community and they should try a different approach.
"That way our people would be more respectful," said the resident, who asked not to be named.
Pingushat is also charged with resisting arrest and breaching probation. Kritaqliluk is charged with uttering death threats. Both are schedule to appear in court on Sept 10. Police didn't say if alcohol was involved.
