RCMP investigating alleged armed robbery, and threat with machetes in Fort Smith, N.W.T.
No arrests have been made; RCMP say to expect more police presence in the community
N.W.T. RCMP say they responded to two "serious" incidents in Fort Smith on Sunday, including one in which someone was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint, and another where someone was threatened by masked men with machetes.
In a news release Monday, RCMP say they received a call around 4:30 a.m. on July 20 that three masked men had broken into a home and threatened the person inside with machetes. The person was able to escape, RCMP said.
About two hours later, there was another call that a person had been assaulted and robbed at gunpoint.
"The assailant had fled with a quantity of cash and other goods," RCMP said.
Residents of the South Slave region and Fort Smith have spoken out about drug-related crimes in their communities. There have been numerous reports of arsons, gunfire, and assaults in recent months.
The RCMP announced on Friday that it's launching Project Guardian, "a strategy to bring together three detachments in the South Slave and redeploy resources to target illicit activities."
The detachments in Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Resolution will work together and the new project will allow them to be more flexible and deploy officers based on needs, the Friday news release said.
"Community leaders and residents have expressed concerns on illicit drug trade and other criminal activities reaching our communities. We are responding with a proactive approach that will serve their needs," said RCMP Sgt. James Lai in the statement.
As a result of this new framework, which was developed with local leadership, the RCMP said resources were available and immediately deployed from Hay River to assist with the incidents in Fort Smith on Sunday. Yellowknife also sent additional support, including police dog services, forensic identification services, and the emergency response team.
"Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the community in the coming days," RCMP said Monday.
"These investigations remain ongoing and no arrests have been made."