News release

Suspect in custody after Fort Smith police operation

September 26, 2025 - Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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A suspect was safely taken into custody after a police operation took place in the community of Fort Smith on Thursday.

Shortly before midnight on September 23rd, Fort Smith RCMP received a report of an incident at a residence on Pelican Street, in which a person had been assaulted and threatened with a knife. The suspect was already subject to conditions prohibiting any contact with the victim, who was able to escape and get to safety.

Officers attended the residence. Efforts were made to peacefully negotiate the suspect’s exit; however, he was armed with a knife and threatened attending officers. Additional resources were called to the community, including members of the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and a Remote Piloted Aircraft.

A warrant to enter the house was obtained and executed at approximately 5:00p.m. on September 24th, however the suspect was not inside.

Efforts to find the suspect continued and on the morning of September 25th he was located fleeing across the Slave River in a canoe. Officers redeployed to the area. The suspect was tracked by Police Dog Services and taken into custody by ERT officers without incident.

52-year-old William Hoffman of Fort Smith is charged with:

• Assault, contrary to section 266 of the Criminal Code
• (5 counts) Uttering threats against a person, contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Resisting a peace officer, contrary to section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
• Breach of a Recognizance, contrary to section 811 of the Criminal Code

He remains in custody pending a court hearing.

While this matter was brought to a safe conclusion, it is just one of many which highlight the dangers RCMP officers face every day in service to their communities.

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