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The ultimate sore loser?

Man accused of hitting child with snowmobile

KIRSTEN MURPHY

A seven-year-old Iqaluit girl suffered bruising after being hit and dragged on the sea-ice by a snowmobile during a Toonik Tyme snowmobile race on April 20.

Bystanders say the driver had just lost a disputed drag race, and was enraged at finishing second.

"According to witnesses there was blatant and dangerous intent to harm something," said Cpl. Bob Pilot of the Iqaluit RCMP.

Bystanders have since supplied the police with statements, Pilot said.

Pilot said it’s lucky no one else was hit and that the girl’s injuries were not more serious.

Local snowmobile dealer Guy Vachon, who was at the race, said the man lost two races and was yelling at people in the crowd.

The man drove toward the crowd, but didn’t hit anyone the first time, Vachon said.

"He was driving like an idiot," Vachon said.

The second time, apparently outraged by his second loss and the crowd’s support for the winner, the man accelerated his machine from about 200 metres away, Vachon said, even though he had been warned not to do that by race officials.

Joanasie Kilabuk, 20, was charged on the day of the incident with assault with a weapon and dangerous driving.

Kilabuk could not be reached for comment. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 24.

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