Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On November 24th, 2024, Yellowknife RCMP received a report of a drive-by shooting near Walmart. A victim had reportedly been driving their own vehicle while being followed by another vehicle that pulled up alongside them. A masked individual pointed a gun at the victim’s vehicle after which a thud was heard, leading the victim to believe they had been shot at.
Officers of the Yellowknife detachment subsequently located the suspect vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop with it at the Capital Suites parking lot. Three individuals were safely taken into custody.
A subsequent search of the suspect vehicle led to the seizure of approximately $20,000 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, 2 grams of suspected crack-cocaine, other drug paraphernalia, ski-masks and several edged weapons.
It was later determined that the victim’s vehicle had not been struck by gunfire and an imitation firearm may have been used in the offence.
21-year-old Nicholas Apsimik, 20-year-old Tyrone Field and a 16-year-old male have all been charged with:
· Disguised with intent to commit an offence, contrary to section 351(2) of the Criminal code
· Pointing a firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal code
· Laundering the proceeds of crime, contrary to section 462.31(2) of the Criminal Code
· Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The 16-year-old suspect cannot be named due to the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. All three individuals appeared before a Justice of the Peace and were remanded into custody.