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IGLULIK
A man is facing nine criminal charges after police say he pointed a rifle at them in Iglulik last week. The man was arrested without incident after two hours of negotiations on Aug. 7, according to the RCMP.

Two officers from the Iglulik detachment went to a house following a report of a man threatening suicide at about 6:30 p.m. and were met with a 20-year-old man pointing a rifle at them, police stated in a news release.

The two police officers immediately took cover and requested assistance from a third colleague. The Mounties tried to calm the man down, but he allegedly made death threats against the three police officers and wanted the officers to kill him, the news release stated.

The man then left the hamlet with the rifle on an all-terrain vehicle not belonging to him, which the individual allegedly did not have permission to take. During the incident, the man collided with the side of a police truck, the RCMP stated. Police asked residents, through the hamlet's radio station, to remain indoors during the incident, the statement added.

This latest incident involving a lone gunman threatening police has the Mounties concerned.

"Although we are trained for and understand the high risks involved in protecting the lives and the communities in which we serve, it is difficult for us to comprehend this ongoing attempt in targeting our members," stated Supt. Hilton Smee, criminal operations officer for RCMP in the territory. "It is truly disturbing."

He further stated the man's actions are not reflective of the community but the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks the RCMP in Nunavut face daily.

Iglulik deputy mayor Peter Ivalu said the RCMP keep the community safe and that the officers should be commended for their good work throughout the incident.

"We're really glad no one was hurt. We don't give the RCMP enough credit for the wonderful work they do in keeping the community safe," Ivalu said.

Shawn Kappianaq, 20, is facing one count each of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, pointing a firearm, taking a motor vehicle without consent, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and fleeing from a police officer. He further faces three counts of uttering death threats.

Kappianaq remains in custody. His first court date wasn't set before press deadline.

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