Community Safety Alert: Firearms Charges After Behchokǫ̀ Incident
Overview of the Incident
On May 1, 2026, officers with the Behchokǫ̀ RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the community of Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. The situation was serious enough that a public safety alert was issued, instructing residents to shelter in place while police worked to contain the incident and ensure community safety.
A significant police response followed, including specialized resources and additional officers. After operations over the weekend, five individuals were arrested and are now facing numerous firearms and violence-related charges connected to this event. Residents seeking a broader context on local crime trends can review the Behchokǫ̀ crime statistics and safety data on CrimeCanada.ca.
Official RCMP Details
The Behchokǫ̀ RCMP, supported by multiple specialized units, deployed a substantial police presence in the area. Resources included:
- Emergency Response Team
- Police Dog Services
- Territorial Crime Reduction Unit
- Remote Piloted Aircraft System Unit
- A Critical Incident Commander
- Additional general duty officers
As a result of the investigation and related operations, five individuals were arrested:
- Steven Lafferty of Behchokǫ̀
- Jay Ayah of Behchokǫ̀
- Keegan Mackenzie of Behchokǫ̀
- Tyler Sage of Behchokǫ̀
- Daniel (Danial) Wedawin of Wekweètı̀
According to the RCMP, these five accused are jointly charged with a total of 22 offences, including:
- (3 counts) Discharging a firearm while being reckless – Criminal Code s.244.2(3)
- (3 counts) Assault with a weapon – Criminal Code s.267(a)
- (3 counts) Robbery with a firearm – Criminal Code s.344
- (3 counts) Extortion with a firearm – Criminal Code s.346(1.1)
- Using a firearm in the commission of an offence – Criminal Code s.85(1)(a)
- (3 counts) Pointing a firearm – Criminal Code s.87(1)
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose – Criminal Code s.88(1)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm – Criminal Code s.91(1)
- Possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized – Criminal Code s.92(1)
- Possession of a firearm while occupant of a vehicle – Criminal Code s.94(1)
- Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm without authorization – Criminal Code s.95(1)
Additional individual charges include:
- Steven Lafferty: Failure to comply with a release order – Criminal Code s.145(5)(a)
- Keegan Mackenzie: Failure to comply with a probation order – Criminal Code s.733.1(1)
- Daniel (Danial) Wedawin: Failure to comply with a release order – Criminal Code s.145(5)(a)
All of the accused have appeared for bail hearings and have been remanded into custody. A publication ban has been imposed in connection with this matter under Criminal Code s.517, which limits what additional information can legally be shared while proceedings are ongoing.
Request for Information & Digital Evidence
The RCMP investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone who may have information or relevant digital evidence (such as photos or videos) related to this incident to come forward.
If you can assist, please contact the Behchokǫ̀ RCMP at 867-392-1111. Digital evidence may be submitted directly through the RCMP’s online evidence portal at: https://rcmp.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/2026572734.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, incidents involving alleged reckless firearm use, robbery with weapons, and extortion pose a significant risk to both individuals and the wider community in the Northwest Territories. Situations that lead to shelter-in-place alerts highlight how quickly public safety can be affected and why rapid, coordinated responses from police and residents are critical. Reviewing local data, such as our Behchokǫ̀ crime and safety overview, can help residents understand patterns in serious offences and support informed community discussions.
In any suspected firearms incident, residents are urged to prioritize personal safety: move to a secure location away from windows, follow all official shelter-in-place or alert instructions, avoid sharing unverified information on social media, and contact police immediately rather than confronting any individuals involved. Reporting suspicious activity and providing evidence directly to police, as requested in this case, helps strengthen investigations and supports safer outcomes for everyone in the region.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the northwest-territories community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.