News release

Hay River RCMP lay charges after police operation

April 21, 2026 - Hay River, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

One person has been charged after a report of a firearms offence led to a major police response in the community.

On April 20 at approximately 2:00 p.m. police received a report that a firearm had been pointed at a person inside a residence on Pine Crescent. The victim, who was also reportedly assaulted by the suspect, was able to escape the residence unharmed, however the suspect and several other people remained inside.

Hay River officers attended the scene and set up a containment perimeter, supported by the Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Police Dog Services, as well as a Critical Incident Commander and other general duty resources.

8 individuals were taken into custody as part of the operation. 7 individuals not involved in the offences were later released without charge.

A search warrant for the residence was obtained and executed, leading to the seizure of a replica pistol, a small quantity of suspected crack-cocaine and a small quantity of suspected fentanyl, packaged for sale. In addition, officers located over $2600 in cash and over $2000 worth of luxury items, believed to be the proceeds of crime.

30-year-old Malik Shaw of Edmonton Alberta was subsequently charged with:

• Pointing a firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
• Uttering threats, contrary to section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
• Using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, contrary to section 85(2)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code
• Assault while choking, contrary to section 267(c) of the Criminal Code
• (2 counts) Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• (2 counts) Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Malik Shaw was held for a bail hearing and subsequently remanded into custody. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Hay River RCMP would like to thank the public and our partners involved for their assistance and patience as this incident was resolved.

This matter is believed to be related to the illicit drug trade in Hay River. Anyone with information about this incident or other crimes of this nature is asked to contact the Hay River RCMP at 867-874-1111 or Crime Stoppers at https://p3tips.com

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