Iqaluit (May 02/05) - An armed stand-off between Iqaluit RCMP and a man barricaded inside his home with a rifle ended peacefully after eight hours, last Wednesday.

Police evacuated the 2700 housing block and cordoned the area off after receiving an early morning phone call that warned there was an intoxicated man with a rifle inside one of the homes.

Because of the close proximity of Joamie and Aqsarniit schools, as well as Ecole de Trois Soleil, all three were closed for the day.

A 19-year-old man was arrested without struggle around 3 p.m. No shots were fired and no one was hurt.

"He was more upset about life in general," said Cpl. Jimmy Akavak.

Traffic was let back into the neighbourhood shortly afterwards and the schools opened as usual the next day.

Students who did arrive at Aqsarniit, Wednesday morning, were kept busy with board games and gym activities until noon, when the decision was made to send everyone home.

"The kids were very well behaved. They had no idea what was happening," said principal Darlene Nuqingaq, explaining that students were only told there was a police incident.

"Human nature: If you know something's happening, you want to go and see."

Nuqingaq said she was concerned for her students' safety, but pleased with how police called her early in the morning to alert her to the situation.

Ahmie Michael faces four different firearms charges in relation to the standoff and is being held in custody. His court date on Friday was adjourned until this Wednesday.