The Whitehorse RCMP is investigating a public disturbance involving weapons among a large group of young adults and youths on Main Street in Whitehorse. The incident occurred on March 15 at approximately 4:45 p.m., according to a police news release issued on March 17.
Video footage of the disturbance from Facebook shows a group of individuals retreating from a larger group before driving off in a blue Dodge Caliber. The larger group can be heard yelling profanities at one of the retreating individuals seen carrying an object alleged to be a firearm, accusing them of brandishing a firearm and urging them to pull the trigger.
The video footage posted on the Whitehorse Property Crime group shows the individual carrying the object, allegedly a firearm, being directed to a vehicle by another person wearing similar identity-concealing clothing a few meters up Main Street. About four individuals entered the vehicle before driving off, pursued by a group of approximately six individuals following them up Main Street.
According to the news release, Whitehorse RCMP officers quickly responded to the scene and began investigating the disturbance shortly after arriving. Officers obtained photographic and video evidence of the incident, as well as witness statements from bystanders on Main Street, the release reads.
The vehicle used to leave the scene during the incident was later located by RCMP officers, according to the release.
The Whitehorse RCMP detachment is currently investigating the incident and urges anyone with information or who witnessed the disturbance to contact the Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Johnny Mak of Triniti Tech on Main Street told the News he was not at the store when the disturbance happened. However, he said staff on shift and customers in the store at the time said no one in the store knew what was taking place, but they did hear screaming and commotion outside.
Whitehorse's mayor, Kirk Cameron, made a statement regarding the disturbance during the Whitehorse standing committee meeting on March 17.
In the statement, he thanked RCMP for their response to the incident, and said the whole of council fully supports the RCMP investigation.
"What happened this past weekend must not be tolerated. This is so wrong on so many levels," said Cameron.
Cameron also said that the city prioritizes community safety, and made reference to the development of a community safety plan. He said the city is working with the Yukon government, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation to improve community safety.
--with files from Talar Stockton
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
