In response to Dene Nation statement, N.W.T. RCMP defend arrest that led to injuries

N.W.T. RCMP are defending their actions after Dene National Chief George Mackenzie publicly condemned police for how they handled the arrest of a 25-year-old man along Highway 3 in freezing weather earlier this month.

Elias Schiller was stopped on Dec. 14 by Behchoko RCMP on warrants for his arrest. According to RCMP, Shiller gave a false name and refused to comply with police. During the arrest he “sustained serious frostbite injuries” and was flown out of the territory to receive medical treatment, according to police.

In a statement released on Monday, Dene National Chief George Mackenzie condemned RCMP for how the arrest was conducted. He said the person had not attempted to flee or resist during his arrest but still experienced “excessive force."

Mackenzie called for accountability and reform in the police force, including cultural awareness training for RCMP officers.

“It is not just our right but our duty to advocate for a justice system that mirrors the diversity of our communities and guarantees fairness for all,” said Mackenzie.

He also advocated for the creation of a new police force.

“It is imperative that we establish an Indigenous police force in the N.W.T. that prioritizes the unique needs of our communities, alongside implementing urgent cultural awareness training for current officers," he said.

The RCMP responded to Mackenzie's statement in a news release Tuesday.

They said on the day in question, Schiller provided a fake name to RCMP and refused to exit the vehicle he was in, after being located near Behchoko. Police say that after about 20 minutes of attempts at "verbal compliance," they struggled with Schiller to handcuff him. Eventually they used a Taser, or "conducted energy weapon," and pepper spray to put him in handcuffs.

Once in handcuffs on the ground, police say Schiller refused to get up and get inside a police vehicle despite temperatures around –30 C. Police say Schiller was too large to be moved until more emergency responders arrived to assist. Eventually, five officers and paramedics were able to place him on a stretcher and into a vehicle, according to RCMP.

Police charged Schiller with resisting or obstructing a peace officer and identity fraud, in addition to initial charges related to assault and failures to comply with release orders.

Police say they launched an internal investigation the day after the arrest, and reviewed body camera footage.

The say initial findings show Schiller's injuries were the result of his refusal to comply with police, and that officers behaved professionally.

According to the RCMP, Schiller remains in custody and is recovering from his injuries.