Nunavut man charged after shots fired at RCMP detachment

Hilton Smee, the chief superintendent of the Nunavut RCMP, said the helicopter that went through the ice was a Bell 206 Jet Ranger.

The young man arrested in connection with the weekend shooting in Kimmirut, Nunavut, has been charged.

He is alleged to have used a .303-calibre rifle to shoot at the RCMP detachment at about 2 a.m. Saturday. The hamlet's two Mounties and a woman who had warned them that they were in danger had taken shelter inside.

The RCMP credit a group of about 10 residents with coming to their rescue. The residents managed to subdue the suspect and seize a rifle.

Police have provided few other details about the incident, but say that alcohol played a definite role.

Joe Sammy Utye, 20, faces six charges, including intentionally discharging a firearm, carrying a weapon for dangerous purposes and uttering threats.

Utye is due in court this Thursday.