News release

Yellowknife RCMP take youth suspect into custody after firearms complaint

February 17, 2026 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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A youth suspect has been taken into custody and an imitation firearm has been recovered after police received a report that a person had posted a photo of themselves in a home with a firearm on social media.

At approximately 9:55 a.m. Yellowknife RCMP were advised by staff at École St. Patrick High School that a community member had informed them of the photo, which featured a student enrolled at the school.

This student was not in attendance at the school however the school entered a “hold-and-secure” state as a precautionary measure while an investigation took place.

The suspect was located at their residence shortly after and taken into custody without incident. An imitation pistol was seized.
The suspect, a 13-year-old male remains in custody at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

The Yellowknife RCMP would like to thank our partners at École St. Patrick High School for their calm, professional cooperation as we worked to resolve this matter.

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