As first reported by Moose 100.1 FM, two unrelated incidents with a noxious substance, which is believed to be bear spray, are being investigated by Yellowknife RCMP.
At approximately 8:14 p.m., on Friday, September 20, 2019, Yellowknife RCMP received a call for service for a complaint, unrelated to the noxious substance, at an apartment building on Gitzel Street.
A hazardous substance was sprayed in the apartment stairwell on Gitzel Street. Fire Rescue and the RCMP are one scene. The apartment building is being evacuated for residents safety. @1001TheMoose pic.twitter.com/DpTubn3nBL
— Arthur Craig Green (@artcgreen) September 21, 2019
Upon entering the building, RCMP members detected the odor of what is believed to be bear spray in the first-floor stairwell. The City of Yellowknife Fire Department was called in to assist in decontaminating the building. The building was evacuated as a precaution. No resident needed medical treatment. No suspect has been arrested in this incident and the investigation is closed.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 21, Yellowknife RCMP received a call for service regarding an alleged assault in the area of Sissons Court. Two victims were allegedly sprayed with bear spray in their residence. The City of Yellowknife Emergency Medical Services were already on-site, providing treatment for a non-life threatening injury to both victims.
A male and a female were just attacked with bear spray on Sissons court here in #Yellowknife @1001TheMoose RCMP and EMS are on scene. pic.twitter.com/cz0TsvKQK7
— Arthur Craig Green (@artcgreen) September 21, 2019
A male suspect was later arrested without incident in connection to this incident.
Chris Kaminesky, 35-year-old, has been charged with:
- Two counts of Assault with a weapon
- Breaking and Entering with intent
- Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call Yellowknife RCMP at 669-1111, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips.com, (click on “submit a web tip”) or text: “nwtnutips” plus your message to 274637
twitter.com/artcgreen