Whitehorse RCMP responded to multiple high-risk calls in the city last Wednesday afternoon and early evening.

“Police continue to investigate and collect information, with safety of the public as a priority in the response,” police said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

At approximately 3:35 p.m., last Wednesday, police received a report that a group of young people had been bear sprayed in downtown Whitehorse.

Police were notified approximately 45 minutes after the incident.

“During subsequent police patrols, the suspects were not located, likely due to the time delay,” police said.

“Investigators already spoke with businesses in the area that may have surveillance video of the incident.”

Anyone who was travelling around Second Avenue and Main Street between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and may have witnessed or have dashcam footage of the incident is encouraged to contact police.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to respond to a weapons complaint of two men chasing people with weapons (a screwdriver and possibly a drywall knife) in the downtown core.

Police attended and two people were arrested related to the call, but they were later released without charges. There were no injuries reported.

At the same time that members were responding to that call, police received another call of an assault – reportedly with significant injuries.

The person was also in the downtown area of Whitehorse, near Fourth Avenue and Alexander Street.

“Police are continuing to investigate this incident and support the victim,” they said.

Anyone with information about that incident is encouraged to contact the RCMP.

Finally, at approximately 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, officers were called to a dispute in which it was reported that one person had threatened another with a firearm inside a residence.

General duty officers attended the location, off the Alaska Highway within the City of Whitehorse, along with Yukon RCMP Police Dog Services.

One person was arrested.

Over the course of the investigation, police seized a loaded restricted firearm, brass knuckles, and a substance believed to be cocaine, among other evidence.

Angel Rear, 21, of Whitehorse, appeared in court last Thursday.

She faces seven charges. Those include possession of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, and uttering threats. She remains in custody.

“It is not believed that the above files are linked, and Whitehorse RCMP continue to investigate,” police said.

Although the calls for service that afternoon “were exceptional in the timing and the seriousness of the calls, this situation is but one example of the increase in intensity of violence and the perception of the rate of violence in Yukon communities, including Whitehorse,” said Supt. Lindsay Ellis, the criminal operations officer for the Yukon RCMP.

“Yukon RCMP are prepared to continue to respond appropriately and as required to ensure public safety and investigate all calls for service in a thorough manner,” Ellis added.

“We will continue to work with community partners to effect quality service and participate in solutions to support overall community safety and well-being.”

Anyone with information about these matters is encouraged to contact police at 667-5555 ext. 1.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers via phone at 667-6715 or online at www.crimestoppersyukon.ca.

The downtown area was the site of more violent crime earlier this year.

Aaron Smarch, 35, of Carcross, was murdered on Feb. 2 in the Fourth Avenue-Ogilvie Street area of the city.

Norman Kendi, 18, has been charged with first-degree murder. He was arrested the night of Feb. 6.

A 17-year-old person has also been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Smarch’s death.

Under the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act, the minor’s name cannot be published.

Meanwhile, no arrests have been made in connection with two other high-profile incidents that claimed lives in Yukon communities.

Ben Symington, 35, and Michael Bennett, 22, both of Whitehorse, were murdered March 11 in Mayo.

As well, a 27-year-old man, who police have not publicly identified, was the victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident late the night of April 14 on the Alaska Highway near Watson Lake.