Nunavut RCMP blame booze, anger on weekend shooting

Nunavut RCMP are blaming alcohol, easy access to firearms, and anger for the weekend shooting in Kimmirut.

Shots were fired at the detachmentin the community early Saturday morning. No one was injured, but two officers and a civilian were inside.

In the end, a group ofKimmirut residents made acitizens arrest, holding the suspect and seizing a rifle.

A20-year-old man has been chargedin relation to the incident and is being held in custody in Iqaluit.

This is the eighth time since 2006 that police in Kimmirut have come under fire or have been threatened by guns.

Nunavut RCMP Chief Supt. Steve McVarnock said most people in Kimmirut support the RCMP. But he said there is a small portion of the population which causes him concern.

"There is an anger, there is something there, there is something there about these young people and authority. I just need to address it at a higher level before we go to another funeral."

"One of these eight I speak to involved the death of one of our members, Const. Doug Scott in November 2007, and I do not want to go to another RCMP member's funeral."

'There is an anger... there is something there about these young people and authority.I just need to address it at a higher level before we go to another funeral.' Steve McVarnock, Chief Supt., Nunavut RCMP

McVarnock said the RCMP have arranged a meeting with the Kimmirut mayor and hamlet council on Friday.

He said he hopes the community will hold residents accountable for their actions. He added that when officers arent safe, the community is not safe either.

Kimmirut mayor Qinuayuaq Pudlat said there is a plan to have a community meeting in the afternoon. He saidthe hamlet, as well as the RCMP, is looking for answers.