YELLOWKNIFE _ The man charged in the shooting death of a Mountie in the Northwest Territories uttered only a single word when he made his first court appearance in Yellowknife on Thursday.

Emrah Bulatci, 23, answered ``Yes'' when the judge asked him if he understood he was being charged with first-degree murder.

Security was tight for those entering the courtroom _ a metal detector was stationed outside and at least six security guards could be seen hovering in the area.

But the suspect himself didn't appear to be under any heavy security _ he was brought in by a single guard and was not handcuffed during his appearance.

Bulatci is accused of killing RCMP Const. Christopher Worden in Hay River, N.W.T., on Oct. 6.

Bulatci eluded police for almost a week before being arrested at a west Edmonton housing complex last Friday.

© 2007 The Canadian Press