Yellowknife RCMP say they have arrested a man with a replica handgun at the city’s library.
Police said they were called to the library – which was recently given upgraded security in response to safety concerns – at 4pm on Tuesday.
A news release stated a man was arrested and taken into custody “without incident” as RCMP worked to evacuate the scene, inside the downtown Centre Square Mall, before the nature of the apparent weapon had been determined.
“There was a report of possible possession of a firearm by a male near the public library,” police said in the news release, issued later on Tuesday afternoon.
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“As members were proceeding with the evacuation of the area, the male suspect was located and taken into custody.
“A replica handgun was located and seized.”
Police said no injuries had been reported, calling the episode “an isolated incident.”
“This was an event that occurred in a high-traffic public place with several RCMP members responding,” said Marie York-Condon, an RCMP spokesperson, in the news release.
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“We want to assure the public that the event was quickly contained and the risk minimized.
“We are just starting our investigation so have no further details at this time. We hope to have an update tomorrow.”
In January, the library’s manager told city councillors a full-time security presence had been installed after a fight late last year caused $800 in damage and stunned library users.
Hired guards are in place “for the foreseeable future” at the library, said John Mutford at the time, alongside an increased municipal enforcement presence and more security cameras.
However, Mutford said guards would call RCMP for more serious matters.
