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Two Fort Smith Mounties injured after suspect attempts to grab handgun, say police
Kelly Canadian also alleged to have threatened a hotel security guard with a knife during a burglary, in the latest chapter of his high-profile interactions with authorities
A Fort Smith man who police say injured two RCMP officers — one requiring medical attention — as he tried to grab one of their sidearms has been charged with several serious offences.
In the early-morning hours of July 31st, RCMP received reports of two incidents involving the same suspect, stated a Thursday release.
During one incident, it was reported that the suspect broke into a local hotel.
When he was caught by a security guard, he produced a knife and attempted to assault the guard, who escaped unharmed, stated the release.
Officers received another call wherein the same suspect was reported to be outside a residence in the community attempting to smash the windows out.
Police located the individual outside the residence and placed him under arrest.
During the arrest, the suspect allegedly assaulted the officers and attempted to take one of the officers’ service pistols before being restrained.
Two officers were injured, with one officer requiring medical attention.
In relation to these events, 34-year-old Kelly Canadian of Fort Smith has been charged with: Disarming a police officer; three counts of assaulting a police officer; three counts of uttering threats; resisting arrest, assault with a weapon; and other counts related to the alleged burglary.
Canadian appeared in court for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody.
NWT RCMP spokesperson Corporal Josh Seaward stated: “This incident highlights the dynamic nature of police work and the real risks that police officers face each day when responding to calls for service.”
He stated that so far in 2026, 50 assaults on NWT RCMP officers have been recorded.
Meanwhile, the openly gay Canadian made headlines several year ago when he accused the GNWT, North Slave Correctional Complex (NSCC) officers, and RCMP of sexual abuse, discrimination, and excessive force while incarcerated or in custody.
In February 2019, the member of the Chipewyan First Nation sued for $1.25 million and entered into a confidential out-of-court settlement with the GNWT in 2022.
At the time in 2019, CKLB reported that Deputy Minister of Justice Martin Goldney confirmed that two guards were suspended with pay while an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at the jail was underway. They were subsequently let go from their jobs.
In his Statement of Claim, Canadian alleged the abuse impaired his ability to “experience a normal life,” and led to mental distress, social anxiety, humiliation, depression, suicidal thoughts and an inability to trust authority figures.”
Canadian also earlier settled an unrelated Human Rights Commission complaint against NSCC, alleging the staff mistreated him based on his sexual orientation, sometimes referring to him using homophobic slurs.
Canadian received $5,000 from the Commission for his time spent at the facility in 2016.
In August 2023, a NWT Territorial Court judge found Canadian not guilty of five counts of assaulting a peace officer engaged in the execution of his duty. That, after a four-day trial in which Canadian represented himself.
In October 2023, the Crown filed a notice of appeal calling for a new trial and stating that Gagnon’s decision shows “palpable and overriding errors.”
The outcome of that action isn’t immediately known.
