News release

Fort Smith RCMP arrest two after reported stabbing

June 18, 2025 - Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

Police in Fort Smith have charged two people after responding to a report of a stabbing Saturday night.

On June 14th at approximately 8:57 p.m. Fort Smith RCMP received information that a person had been stabbed and seriously injured on a trail in the community. The victim was later flown from the community for further treatment and is in stable condition.

Officers began an investigation into the matter and subsequently identified two suspects.

On June 16th, officers located and arrested 42-year-old Robert McDonald and 32-year-old Joshua Benwell of Fort Smith without incident. Both were charged with:

• Aggravated assault, contrary to section 268(2) of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code

At the time of his arrest, Benwell was subject to a release order stemming from pending robbery, firearms and other charges. He was further subject to a probation order relating to recent convictions for drug possession, resisting arrest and breach of court ordered conditions.

Benwell faces further charges of:

• Failure to comply with a probation order, contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code
• Failure to comply with a release order (3 counts), contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code

Both appeared before a Justice of the Peace and were remanded into custody.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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