News release

Hay River RCMP arrest suspect after report of pointing a firearm

March 30, 2026 - Hay River, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

One person has been taken into custody after Hay River RCMP responded to a reported firearms incident last week.

On March 27th, at approximately 2:19 p.m. Hay River RCMP received a report that an intoxicated person had pointed a firearm at another person inside a residence on Kátł'odeeche First Nation reserve. The victim was able to escape uninjured.

Officers attended the residence where two subjects exited the residence upon police arrival. Both were arrested without incident. One of the subjects was subsequently released on scene.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence, leading to the seizure of three long guns. None of the individuals in the residence were licenced to possess firearms.

As a result, 35-year-old Nathan Fabian of Kátł'odeeche First Nation has been charged with:

• Pointing a firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
• Using a firearm in the commission of an offence, contrary to section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Careless use of a firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized, contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code
• Uttering threats, contrary to section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code

Nathan Fabian appeared in court for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody.

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