Fort Smith RCMP charge man with numerous offences including assaulting police

August 6, 2026 - Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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Police in Fort Smith have charged an individual in relation to several incidents that included the assault of several police officers.
In the early-morning hours of July 31, Fort Smith RCMP received reports of two incidents involving the same suspect.

During one incident, it was reported that the suspect broke into a local hotel. When he was caught by a security guard, he produced a knife and attempted to assault the guard. The guard escaped unharmed.

Officers received another call wherein the same suspect was reported to be outside a residence in the community attempting to smash the windows out.

Police located the individual outside the residence and placed him under arrest. During the arrest, the suspect assaulted the officers and attempted to take one of the officers’ service pistols before being restrained. Two officers were injured, with one officer requiring medical attention.

In relation to these events, 34-year-old Kelly Canadian of Fort Smith has been charged with:

• Disarming a police officer, contrary to section 270.1(1) of the Criminal Code
• 3 counts of assaulting a police officer, contrary to section 270(2) of the Criminal Code
• 3 counts of uttering threats, contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Resisting arrest, contrary to section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
• Mischief under $5000
• Breaking and entering, contrary to section 348(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code

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

This incident highlights the dynamic nature of police work and the real risks that police officers face each day when responding to calls for service.

So far in 2026, 50 assaults on Northwest Territories RCMP officers have been recorded.

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