Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Aug 10/05) - A young offender faces numerous charges after a recent break-and-enter spree in Rankin Inlet ended on a dramatic note.

RCMP Const. Sean O'Brien said he was dealing with a couple of intoxicated people in the vicinity of Rankin's youth centre when a call came in on police radio of suspicious activity taking place nearby at the Royal Bank.

As O'Brien neared the bank, he heard the caller on radio say the suspect had hid under the building.

When the officer hauled the suspect out by the ankles, he saw he had a hammer in his hand.

"He was wearing one of those big hoodies so, initially, I had no idea if he was 17 or 37," said O'Brien.

"He tried to roll over and face me, but I managed to grab the hammer from him and throw it to the side.

"I was trying to get him face down to put the handcuffs on when I realized he had a screwdriver in his other hand and was trying to take a swipe at me.

"Fortunately, I was able to get the screwdriver away from him without either of us getting hurt."

In addition to the bank, Sakku Drugs, Social Services and Niuvirvialaaq were also broken into.

The suspect was apprehended with $50 in cash and a number of other items.

O'Brien also recovered a damaged cash register near the Nunavut Power Corp. tanks, buried under rocks.

Damage at the bank is estimated to be about $150,000, with its automatic teller being rendered inoperable.

Bank staff are investigating why the alarm did not sound during the robbery attempt.

Numerous charges

O'Brien said the youth has been charged with three counts of break and enter, and one count each of mischief over $5,000, property damage under $5,000, possessing stolen property and possessing break-and-enter tools.

"We couldn't hold the suspect under the Young Offenders Act, so he's been released under a curfew with the condition he not have any contact with the businesses involved.

"He's scheduled to make his first court appearance on Oct. 31."