Police in Yellowknife are currently investigating an incident where a man entered a day shelter with a loaded pistol last week. The N.W.T. RCMP received a report on the morning of Nov. 12 that an individual had brought a pistol into a shelter on 49 Street. Authorities were able to apprehend the suspect without any issues and found a loaded pistol with an extended-capacity magazine in his possession. The individual, identified as 44-year-old Dirk Singerling, is facing nine charges, including carrying a concealed weapon and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Singerling, who is from Yellowknife, was found to be in violation of a lifetime firearms ban at the time of his arrest. The origin of the pistol remains unknown, and the police have chosen not to provide further details on the matter.
Regarding the incident, Jenna Long, the director of health services for the N.W.T. Health and Social Services Authority, stated that staff at the shelter are trained to handle such situations. She mentioned that while she cannot discuss specific measures being taken to prevent similar incidents due to the ongoing investigation, staff are equipped with appropriate training to manage such scenarios effectively.
Long highlighted that staff at the shelter receive training through mock simulations and non-violent crisis intervention techniques, which focus on staff protection in crisis situations. The NTHSSA communications director, Krystal Pidborochynski, mentioned that the day shelter has about five frontline staff and two security guards who undergo online training courses on safety procedures and de-escalation techniques.
Overall, the authorities are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of both staff and individuals utilizing the shelter services.