Erika Sherk
Northern News Services
Friday, February 23, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - RCMP received 228 calls for service this week. "It's higher than we've had for quite a while now," said Const. Roxanne Dreilich. "We're not really sure why."

Also out of the ordinary was the jump in the number of assaults, she said.

This past week it was 29, the previous week it was seven. Even though nine reports turned out to be unfounded, "that's a high number," said Dreilich.

Fifteen of the assaults are still under investigation. Charges are expected to be laid in six of them. RCMP has not been able to press charges yet because alcohol was involved in all of the incidents, according to Dreilich, so it has not been possible to take statements from victims and witnesses, as they must be completely sober.

Yellowknife feuding factions

Two enduring feuds were brought to the attention of RCMP in the last two weeks, said Dreilich.

One involved two cab drivers who have been involved in a "personality conflict" for some time.

One of the drivers reported criminal harassment after a particularly hostile day between the two of them, where words had been exchanged throughout the day.

"They had an altercation going back and forth that just wouldn't end," said Dreilich.

The cab company has agreed to step in, mediate, and keep both men away from each other.

The other incident involved a continuing argument between youth.

One report of assault still under investigation involves an 18-year-old being spit upon and nearly punched.

"The victim said there is an ongoing feud between him and the suspects," said Dreilich.

The three suspects range in age from 15 to 23. The incident was reported Feb. 8.

Stolen: one night of memory

RCMP also received a report of a stolen vehicle, which turned out to be unfounded.

It seems that a woman left her car at work and, ending up intoxicated that night, had forgotten that she had done so, said Dreilich.

She had accused a specific person of the "theft," Dreilich explained, but when RCMP questioned that person, the situation was resolved.

The woman was placated when she discovered her vehicle was, indeed, still at work where she left it, said Dreilich.

Snowmobiles continue to disappear

The ongoing saga of snowmobile theft in Yellowknife continues, with six stolen this week.

Four have been recovered, said Dreilich. No charges have been laid and there are no suspects, she said.