N.W.T. RCMP deny excessive force, racism allegations after suspect suffers frostbite

BEHCHOKǪ̀ — Mounties in the Northwest Territories are defending the actions of some of their officers during the arrest of a suspect after the Dene Nation alleged the man was left with severe hypothermia and frostbite.

Police dispute the allegation from the nation that officers with the Behchokǫ̀ detachment used excessive force when they apprehended the suspect on the side of Highway 3 earlier this month.

RCMP say the 25-year-old man was in a vehicle when police stopped it and tried to arrest him on outstanding warrants for assault and failing to comply with release orders.

They say the suspect, who they identified as Elias Schiller, became combative and refused to get off the ground, despite temperatures reaching -30 C and resulting in what police are calling self-inflicted frostbite injuries.

The man remains in custody and is recovering from his injuries.

The leader of the Dene Nation has condemned the actions of the officers, saying the case raises questions about the conduct and the training of those involved.

“In light of the unjust treatment endured by this young Dene man, we must reflect on how many more lives will be affected by excessive force before we demand accountability and meaningful change,” Dene National Chief George Mackenzie said in statement Monday. The arrest took place on Dec. 14.

The nation argues the man did not try to flee or resist arrest, and that he was subjected to excessive force. It says the man was later sent to Edmonton to be treated for his injuries.

Mackenzie is calling for the creation of an Indigenous police force in the territory that prioritizes the needs of Indigenous communities, as well as cultural training for officers currently working in the Northwest Territories.

“We cannot remain silent while systemic racism continues to undermine the dignity and safety of Indigenous peoples. It is not just our right but our duty to advocate for a justice system that mirrors the diversity of our communities and guarantees fairness for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, RCMP expressed their disappointment with the nation’s accusations and refuted that systemic racism played a part in the arrest.

“The responding officers displayed a high degree of patience and professionalism, recognizing the poor environmental conditions that were present during the interaction,” police said Tuesday in a news release.

“Our success as an organization is tied to the strength of our partnerships and we have invited the Dene National Chief to meet with us to discuss and gain clarity on this matter, as well as establish a better framework to avoid similar misunderstandings moving forward.”

Police provided more details on the arrest. They said the man provided a false name, was confrontational with officers and refused to leave the vehicle after it was pulled over.

Officers used a stun gun and pepper spray to subdue the suspect. He refused to get up off the ground, and additional officers and medical responders were brought in to help lift him into a first-responder vehicle, RCMP said.

“Although officers vocalized their concern for his well-being and repeatedly explained to him the need to get out of the cold for his own safety, he continued to be unco-operative and belligerent, stating that he would remain on the ground and physically resisted attempts to lift him,” the release said.

A review was initiated the following day and remains ongoing, RCMP said. The interaction was caught on a responding officer’s body worn camera. Police said the initial findings of the review indicate that the suspect resisted arrest.

Schiller is facing additional charges of resisting a peace officer and identity fraud.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2025.

— By Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg

The Canadian Press