The RCMP’s emergency response team had to be called in to help with a police investigation in Watson Lake that lasted 12 hours.
It started with an investigation into a break, enter and assault at a local house.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on Sunday, RCMP received a report of an assault at a residence on Liard Avenue.
When officers got to the house, a 19-year-old suspect had fled, according to a news release.
As police were looking for the man they got a second call, at 9:30 a.m., reporting that the same suspect had just stolen a car on Nahanni Avenue and had fled with a long-barreled rifle.
About two and a half hours later the stolen vehicle was located in a rural area just outside of Watson Lake.
“Due to the involvement of a weapon and potential dangers associated, the ‘M’ Division Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Police Dog Service were flown by the RCMP aircraft to Watson Lake to assist,” the release said.
“Shortly before 5:00 p.m. the suspect was taken into custody without incident while still in possession of a loaded firearm.”
The incidents are still under investigation, police say. The man faces numerous Criminal Code and Firearms Act charges. He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
(Ashley Joannou)