A 23-year-old man who triggered a large-scale police response in Wekweeti last summer following reports he possessed a gun and posed a threat to residents has pleaded guilty to two firearm-related charges stemming from the incident.
Bruno Simpson, of Wekweeti, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm contrary to an order and careless use of a firearm during a brief court appearance in NWT territorial court on Friday.
Simpson also pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault related to an incident alleged to have occurred the day before he prompted a two-day police hunt in the community of Wekweeti.
On Aug. 29, according to an RCMP news release issued in early September, RCMP traveled by plane to Wekweeti after receiving reports about Simpson possessing a firearm. Additional resources, including Police Dog Services, were deployed to the community.
According to Mounties' release, Simpson was located by police in the community, but fled, allegedly leaving behind a loaded shotgun.
Police were forced to abandon their search for Simpson at nightfall, but continued the next day, on Aug. 30, when Simpson was located and arrested.
Simpson will be back in court on Feb. 13 for sentencing.