Hay River RCMP Arrest Suspect After Firearm Threat on Reserve

Community Safety Alert – Hay River Region

On the afternoon of March 27, 2026, members of the Hay River RCMP responded to a serious firearms-related incident on the Kátł’odeeche First Nation reserve near Hay River, Northwest Territories. Police received a report that an intoxicated individual had pointed a firearm at another person inside a residence.

The victim managed to leave the residence without physical injury, and officers moved quickly to secure the scene. Following the response, a suspect was taken into custody and a number of firearms were seized from the residence as part of the investigation. This incident adds to ongoing concerns about weapons-related offences in the Hay River area, which can be better understood by reviewing local Hay River crime statistics and safety trends.

Official Incident Details

According to the RCMP, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:

• On March 27, 2026, at approximately 2:19 p.m., Hay River RCMP received a report that an intoxicated person had pointed a firearm at another individual inside a residence on the Kátł’odeeche First Nation reserve.
• The victim was able to escape from the residence without being physically harmed.
• Officers attended the residence, where two people exited the home upon police arrival.
• Both individuals were arrested without further incident at the scene.
• One of the two subjects was later released at the scene.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Firearms Seized

During the search of the residence, officers seized the following:

• Three long guns

Police report that none of the individuals who were in the residence were licensed to possess firearms.

Accused and Charges

As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Nathan Fabian, of Kátł’odeeche First Nation, has been charged with several Criminal Code offences:

• Pointing a firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
• Using a firearm in the commission of an offence, contrary to section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Careless use of a firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized, contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code
• Uttering threats, contrary to section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code

The accused has appeared in court for a bail hearing and has been remanded into custody pending further proceedings. Community members on and around Kátł’odeeche First Nation, including the nearby Hay River Dene 1 area, are reminded that prompt reporting of weapons-related threats can significantly reduce the risk of serious harm.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights the serious risk posed when firearms are present in homes where individuals may be intoxicated and unlicensed. Although no one was physically injured in this case, the combination of alcohol, threats, and weapons can quickly escalate into life-threatening violence. In communities across the Northwest Territories, including First Nation and Dene communities, reporting suspected illegal firearms possession, unsafe storage, or violent threats to police can play a critical role in preventing tragedy.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local crime patterns, secure any lawful firearms safely and in accordance with Canadian regulations, and contact police immediately if they witness weapons being used to threaten or intimidate others. If you or someone you know feels unsafe due to threats or weapons in the home, seek help as early as possible—timely intervention can save lives and support safer, stronger communities.

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.