The Inuvik Fire Department had a scare on Tuesday evening after an individual stole its 105-foot ladder truck.
The truck was idling outside the fire hall with personnel inside and was stolen between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
According to a news release from the town, RCMP and fire personnel searched the community and surrounding areas, including the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, Aklavik ice road and parts of the Dempster Highway.
Finally, after receiving a tip about 10 p.m., police found the truck north of Tsiigehtchic, more than 100 kms from Inuvik. Officers also took one person into custody.
The 43-year-old man is now facing a handful of charges, including theft of a motor vehicle and driving while impaired, among others. The RCMP has not released the person’s name.
The town says the truck has minor damage and is still being assessed; the truck is valued at more than $750,000.
“We do not consider the actions of this particular individual to be representative of our community,” reads the release. “We believe our residents share our serious concerns about the theft of a vital emergency response vehicle.”
Updated Jan. 21, 2:30 p.m. with additional information from RCMP
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.
