Shots lead to hamlet-wide lock down
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, December 5, 2016
RESOLUTE
Resolute is recovering from a hamlet lock-down following gun shots that ended in the death of one man.
RCMP responded to reports of shots fired near local housing around 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 27.
"The suspect allegedly discharged approximately 10 rounds from a high powered riffle hitting a nearby residence," stated Cst. Lurene Dillon in a Nov. 29 release.
No one was hurt by the shots, but a further investigation showed the 46-year-old-man had assaulted his common law partner causing a severe laceration to her face. The woman was sent by medivac to Iqaluit.
"For the safety of the community, the schools, hamlet and local business were closed and the residents were requested to remain in doors," stated the RCMP release.
RCMP sent an Emergency Response Team from Alberta to aid the two community officers.
"RCMP negotiators made contact with the suspect and engaged him in lengthy negotiations with a goal of resolving this situation peacefully. Throughout the morning, the suspect broke contact with the Crisis Negotiator several times," stated the release.
After a gap in communication with the man, the Emergency Response Team entered the house around 1:15 and found him dead.
"The investigation is ongoing and the RCMP wishes to be respectful to the suspect's family, friends and the Community and therefore will not provide any further details at this time," stated Dillon.
"The community of Resolute Bay has been in our thoughts and prayers throughout this sad and difficult time."
Around 230 people live in the high-Arctic hamlet.
