AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Man Sentenced for Downtown Gun Discharge in Dawson City
Silver-Lee Tucker, 26, has been sentenced to a year in jail following a firearm offence committed in downtown Dawson City, Yukon, in April 2025. The sentencing took place in Yukon Territorial Court last week after Tucker pleaded guilty to charges including careless firearm use and possession of a restricted firearm and ammunition without a licence.
Details of the Incident
According to an agreed statement of facts presented in court, police responded to a report of gunshots near the intersection of Princess and Front Streets around midnight on April 7, 2025. Witnesses described a man firing a handgun three times into the air. The suspect, believed to be intoxicated, was last seen near the Bombay Peggy’s hotel.
Shortly after the initial call, officers received another report of shots fired near the same hotel. Yukon RCMP later found Tucker leaving his apartment at 12:51 a.m. and arrested him. A warrant-based search of his apartment led to the discovery of a handgun and a half-loaded 9-mm magazine, found unsecured in a headboard cabinet.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Arguments
During the sentencing hearing, Amy Steele, Tucker’s defence lawyer, told the court that Tucker was “blacked out” due to intoxication at the time of the incident and was unable to recall the events. Steele noted that Tucker had taken steps to reduce his alcohol consumption and was open to participating in counselling and other support programs. She requested that the court impose an 18-month conditional sentence, emphasizing Tucker’s lack of criminal history, his commitment to recovery, and his steady work and housing background.
Crown attorney Karlena Koot, however, sought 18 months imprisonment for the restricted firearm possession charge and an additional six months, to be served concurrently, for careless firearm use. She highlighted the aggravating factor of a loaded firearm being discharged in a public location, presenting a public safety risk.
Community Impact and Victim Statement
Although no one was injured during the gun discharge incident, a community member provided a victim impact statement expressing substantial distress. According to the statement, the event severely impacted her sense of safety in Dawson City, resulting in her leaving her job and experiencing panic attacks when confronted with loud, unexpected noises.
Judge’s Decision
Territorial Court judge David Christie acknowledged Tucker’s remorse and youth, recognizing the incident as a serious mistake. Nonetheless, Christie concluded that a custodial sentence was warranted due to the circumstances and the potential risk to public safety. Tucker received a 12-month jail sentence for restricted firearm possession and a concurrent six-month sentence for careless firearm use. In addition, he must serve 12 months of probation following his release and is subject to a 10-year firearms ban. Three other firearms-related charges were withdrawn by the Crown.
Quotes from the Courtroom
Addressing the court before sentencing, Tucker said, “I would just like to say, this is, hands-down, got to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. There’s no reason at all for it. I am on a better path mentally and spiritually and I just want to do what I have to do to deal with this properly and continue on that path that I’m on.”
Enforcement of Yukon Firearm Laws
The outcome of this case underscores the enforcement of Yukon firearm laws and the judiciary’s response to public safety risks associated with gun offences. The imposed sentence reflects the seriousness of restricted firearm possession, careless firearm use, and their impact on community well-being.
Source: cbc.ca.
