Man in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, dies during interaction with RCMP
Police won’t say how the man died, seeking investigation from external body
Nunavut RCMP have asked an external body to investigate them after a Nunavut man died during an interaction with police over the weekend.
RCMP say a man in Pond Inlet died on Sunday.
Denis Lambe, the assistant criminal operations officer with the Nunavut RCMP, told CBC police attended a call for assistance of a male in distress who was inside a home with a firearm.
Lambe said police set up around the residence and told the public to stay away from the area.
The male later exited the residence with a firearm before he died.
Lambe would not confirm whether police shot the male or how he died.
“Throughout the incident, members did try to speak with him,” Lambe said. “The male ultimately is now deceased and an external investigation has been ordered.”
“It was quite a traumatic incident for the community, obviously because it happened outside the residence. Our members were outside the residence at the time,” he said.
Nunavut has an agreement with the Ottawa and Calgary police services to investigate incidents involving the RCMP in the territory.
Services to be provided
As of early Wednesday afternoon, Lambe said they are still seeking an external body to investigate.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok said the Nunavut government is ready to provide mental health or other services as needed.
“It’s not like down south. Here, you know everyone. And it’s a small community and our hearts obviously go to the family and the whole community,” Akeeagok said.
He said he is meeting with ministers about recommendations made by a jury in a coroner’s inquest in Kimmirut last month, “in the next day.
The inquest looked into circumstances surrounding the death of Kimmirut resident George Arlooktoo, who stabbed himself during a confrontation with RCMP officers on Feb. 9, 2019. Jurors asked the government to declare a suicide crisis.
“I will follow up following that conversation on what the next steps will be,” Akeeagok said.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: One person dead after police shooting in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Que., CBC News
Finland: Police response times up to an hour slower in Arctic Finland, Yle News
United States: Lack of village police leads to hiring cops with criminal records in Alaska: Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media
