News release

Man charged by Yellowknife RCMP after fleeing police and making a false emergency report

December 8, 2025 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

A Yellowknife man is facing multiple charges after fleeing from police and making a false emergency call to 9-1-1 in order to distract officers and avoid arrest.
At approximately 1:30 a.m., on November 22nd, the Yellowknife RCMP attempted to conduct a traffic stop. During the stop, the driver and 3 other occupants fled in the vehicle, narrowly missing and endangering the investigating officer.

It was determined during the investigation that the driver was 27-year-old Austin Moore, who was subject of an arrest warrant for outstanding charges. It was also determined that the vehicle driven by Moore had been stolen.

On November 28th, while investigating the stolen vehicle occurrence, Yellowknife RCMP located the Moore at a residence on 53rd Street. While Yellowknife RCMP were attempting to arrest him, with support from Yellowknife RCMP General Investigative Section and G Division Police Dog Services, he reported gunshots in Ndilǫ to divert police attention and avoid arrest.
He was later arrested without incident.

As a result, Austin Moore is facing multiple charges:

• Public mischief, contrary to section 140(2) of the Criminal Code
• Assaulting a peace officer with weapon, contrary to section 270.01(2) of the Criminal Code
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code
• Flight from a peace officer, contrary to section 320.17 of the Criminal Code
• Operating a vehicle without a valid licence, contrary to section 66(1) of the NWT Motor Vehicles Act
• Operating a vehicle without valid insurance, in violation of section 36(2)(a)(i) of the NWT Motor Vehicles Act
• Robbery, in violation of section 344(b) of the Criminal Code
• Intimidation, contrary to section 423(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Failure to comply with order, in violation of section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code

At the time of the incident, Austin Moore was out on bail following previous charges laid last May for aggravated assault and breaking and entering.
Austin Moore has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in territorial court on December 9th, 2025. His court date for the previous charges of aggravated assault and break and enter is set for February 5th, 2026.

Quotes

Making false emergency reports poses a significant risk to the public, as it diverts police resources from other high-priority calls.

Fortunately, in this case, our officers were able to quickly determine that the call was false and apprehended the suspect. This incident demonstrates the complex nature of our investigations and the risks our officers face every day to ensure public safety.

Inspector Byron Donovan, Officer in Charge of Yellowknife Detachment

Contacts