'I wish I could take it back:' Mountie who shot, killed Nunavut man says he's sorry
CBC
An RCMP officer says he's sorry he shot and killed an armed man in a remote Nunavut community five years ago, but defended his actions at a coroner's inquest into the death.
Cpl. Ian Crowe finished testifying Wednesday at the inquest into the death of 21-year-old Charles Qirngnirq on Dec. 19, 2016, in the hamlet of Gjoa Haven.
Crowe told The Canadian Press that it's still difficult for him to talk about that day and he hadn't spoken much about it since he was investigated by Ottawa police. The police service, which investigates all incidents in the territory, determined Crowe should not be criminally charged with the shooting.
"I am sorry for my actions … and I wish I could take it back," Crowe said outside the community hall where the inquest is taking place.
A jury has heard that Qirngnirq was outside the hamlet's airport with a rifle and was upset that his girlfriend and his young son were leaving to fly to the community of Kugaaruk, Nunavut. Police had received reports earlier that day that he was suicidal.
Crowe and his partner Cpl. Tanya Kellogg, the only two officers in the hamlet that day, both testified that it appeared Qirngnirq lifted his rifle at them.
They said they feared for their lives and the community's safety.