Cartwright RCMP called in extra resources to arrest of 30-year-old Samuel Craig Blake in Black Tickle on September 18, 2020, after he allegedly committed a number of offences, including death threats towards police.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., on September 17, 2020, Cartwright RCMP received a report of a disturbance at a residence in Black Tickle. The home was considerably damaged and one of the occupants was assaulted. Blake, who was identified as being responsible for the damage and the assault, departed the home and threatened that he would have a firearm ready when police arrive.
Cartwright RCMP arranged a safety plan for those in the home and organized a plan to safely arrest Blake. Black Tickle is an island off the southern coast of Labrador, accessible by plane.
On September 18, 2020, a team of RCMP officers from Cartwright Detachment, Police Dog Services, the Emergency Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team traveled to Black Tickle. At approximately 2:00 p.m., Blake was safely taken into police custody without incident. He was transported to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and made a court appearance.
Blake is charged with the following offences:
- Assault
- Mischief (damage to property)
- Uttering threats
- Breach of a firearms prohibition order
He was released from custody on a number of court ordered conditions on September 21, 2020, and is scheduled to attend court on October 27, 2020.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.