Behchokǫ̀ RCMP charge five after report of shots fired resulting in shelter-in-place order

May 4, 2026 - Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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Five individuals are in custody and facing charges after officers in Behchokǫ̀ responded to a report of shots fired in the community on May 1st, leading to a public safety alert being issued.

The community experienced a heavy police presence, involving members of the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Territorial Crime Reduction Unit, Remote Piloted Aircraft System Unit, a Critical Incident Commander and additional general duty officers.

In total, five people were arrested and charged as a result of operations over the weekend.

Steven Lafferty, Jay Ayah, Keegan Mackenzie, and Tyler Sage, of Behchokǫ̀, as well as Daniel Wedawin of Wekweètı̀, are jointly charged with 22 offences, including:
• (3 x) Discharging a firearm while being reckless, contrary to section 244.2(3) of the Criminal Code
• (3 x) Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code
• (3 x) Robbery with a firearm, contrary to section 344 of the Criminal Code
• (3 x) Extortion with a firearm, contrary to section 346(1.1) of the Criminal Code
• Using a firearm in the commission of an offence, contrary to section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• (3 x) 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
• 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
• Possession of a firearm while occupant of a vehicle, contrary to section 94(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm without authorization, contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code

Steven Lafferty is further charged with:
• Failure to comply with a release order, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code

Keegan Mackenzie is further charged with:
• Failure to comply with a probation order, contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code

Danial Wedawin is further charged with:
• Failure to comply with a release order, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code.

All accused were held for bail hearings and subsequently remanded into custody.

A publication ban has been issued by a Justice of the Peace in relation to this matter, pursuant section 517 of the Criminal Code.

Behchokǫ̀ RCMP sincerely thanks the community for their understanding and cooperation as we worked to resolve this matter.
We further thank community leadership for their assistance and support as this matter unfolded, and for their continued partnership in addressing criminal activity in Behchokǫ̀.

Police continue to urge anyone with information on the matter to contact the Behchokǫ̀ RCMP at 867-392-1111. Digital evidence such as photos or videos may be submitted to police at: https://rcmp.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/2026572734

Associated links

• Behchokǫ̀ RCMP responding to reports of shots fired, armed individuals in community
• UPDATE #2: Behchokǫ̀ RCMP responding to reports of shots fired, armed individuals in community

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