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NEWS BRIEFS: Arrest made in alleged armed robbery in Inuvik

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Inuvik

A tip received by Inuvik RCMP has led to the arrest of an alleged armed robber. On April 5, a young male, who can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested and charged with robbery, stated a news release Friday.

The youth is alleged to have entered the Corner Store convenience store in Inuvik on April 3, where he demanded cash and brandished a knife.

After receiving a call for service at approximately 10:40 p.m. on April 3, police attended the Corner Store in Inuvik, stated an April 4 news release.

A store employee told police a man entered the convenience store and demanded cash while brandishing a knife.

The clerk did not hand over any money, but police say the suspect fled the store with stolen goods. The suspect had last been seen running eastward on Kingmingya Road.

After police asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward they received a tip resulting in the youth's arrest.

"We appreciate the quick reaction to our request for public assistance and sincerely thank the citizens of Inuvik for assisting RCMP with this investigation," stated spokesperson Marie York-Condon in the release.

– Brendan Burke

 

Warmer winter in northwest

NWT

This winter was warmer than average in the northwestern part of the NWT, stated a report released by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Alaska, in conjunction with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The temperature in Norman Wells was 5.8 C warmer than usual.

Looking ahead, the report forecasts a 36 to 60 per cent chance of above-average temperatures between now and June.

– Tim Edwards

 

Louisa Wedzin named SAO of Behchoko

Behchoko/Rae

Louisa Wedzin has been named the new Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) of Behchoko.

Wedzin, who is from the community, was appointed after completing a community government administration program designed to prepare community members for senior administrative jobs.

Wedzin became SAO officially on April 1.

She took over from Larry Baran, who had been SAO since August 2016, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Nicole Spencer, a spokesperson for the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, said there are a number of benefits to having residents take on key government roles in their own communities.

"They know the community, they know the people, probably they know the troubles, the issues," Spencer said Thursday.

"If you have one of your own working in a position like (SAO), it's probably going to be more helpful and maybe more effective."

Wedzin was not available for an interview before News/North's print deadline.

Treeva Richardson was appointed Behchoko's assistant senior administrative officer.

– Sidney Cohen

 

Preliminary hearing for Fort Good Hope man charged with murder underway

Somba K'e/Yellowknife

The first stage of a three-part preliminary hearing for a Fort Good Hope man charged with murder wrapped up in NWT territorial court last week.

Colten McNeely, 25, is charged in the September 2017 death of Lloyd Edgi in the Sahtu community. Edgi, who was 28-years-old at the time of his death, left behind a partner and two children. The cause of his death has not yet been released.

A preliminary inquiry – a hearing to test the strength of the Crown's case against McNeely – took place on April 3 and April 4, with three witnesses taking the stand to testify.

April 4 proceedings saw McNeely's defence, led by Peter Harte and Kate Oja, "consent to committal," meaning the matter will eventually go to trial.

Before that happens, two final stages of the preliminary hearing will be carried out. McNeely will be back in court on May 25 for the next step, with another witness set to testify.

Finally, proceedings will move to Fort Good Hope where several civilian witnesses will take the stand.

Following a request from Crown prosecutor Blair MacPherson in September of last year, McNeely is barred from contacting 12 individuals who are believed to be related to the case.

– Brendan Burke

 

Road name change put on hold

Inuvik

The road to the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility and Upper Air Facility may not be named Satellite Road after all.

Natural Resources Canada and Environment Canada put out a call for public opinion regarding the proposed name.

Due to criticism from the public, the name is now under review.

The town received an application from Natural Resources Canada and Environment Canada to install road signs and civic address identification for the road, which was discussed at the public administration meeting March 20.

– Samantha McKay

 

Impaired driving incidents up in February

Inuvik

According to the monthly mayor's policing report, Inuvik RCMP responded to 11 reports of impaired driving in February. That number is up from three reports in January.

The RCMP conducted an investigation into each reported incident in February, resulting in one man facing an impaired driving charge in territorial court.

– Samantha McKay

 

Sudden death in Aklavik prompts RCMP investigation

Aklavik

RCMP are investigating the sudden death of a 40-year-old man in Aklavik.

After receiving a report around 1 a.m. on April 4, police attended a residence in the community where they located the deceased male, a news release from RCMP stated.

NWT RCMP Major Crimes Unit, along with Forensic Identification Services and NWT Coroner Service, are leading an ongoing investigation into the man's death.

Police aren't providing any further details at this time.

– Brendan Burke

 

Police investigating death in Inuvik

Inuvik

Police have launched an investigation following the sudden death of a woman in Inuvik.

A 38-year-old woman was found dead in a residence in the community after Inuvik RCMP received a report around 9 a.m. on April 4, a news release stated.

NWT RCMP Major Crimes Unit, Forensic Identification Services and NWT Coroner Service are working together to probe the woman's death.

RCMP aren't releasing additional information at this time.

– Brendan Burke