Wildfire-related crimes have kicked up in the NWT after a slow week for the RCMP.
Between August 23rd and 24th, Fort Smith RCMP received numerous complaints regarding a man in Fort Smith confronting firefighters in the area preparing wildfire defense.
Upon investigation, officers determined the man made threatening remarks to wildfire crews on August 23rd.
The next day, the RCMP received a report the same man had intentionally collided a piece of heavy machinery with another piece of heavy machinery being used to prepare wildfire defense. The RCMP says no injuries were reported in the collision.
Members of the Fort Smith RCMP, alongside the RCMP “G” Division Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services were able to take the man into custody without incident.
On August 25th, the man was transported to Yellowknife and was held in custody pending an investigation.
Investigators were able to return to the community on the 26th to conduct an additional investigation and gather evidence supporting multiple criminal offences.
The 67-year-old Fort Smith man has been charged with assault with a weapon and mischief endangering life. The man was released on the condition he not return to Fort Smith until the evacuation order is lifted.
A territorial court appearance is now pending.
