Accident During RCMP Attempted Traffic Stop Leads to Investigation

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating a motor vehicle accident which resulted in injury to a third party.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., Saturday, May 3, a member of the Halifax RCMP attempted to stop a motor vehicle which was travelling north on the Cobequid Road in Lower Sackville at a high rate of speed. As it approached the intersection with Glendale Avenue it swerved to miss one car and then struck another stopped on the other side of the intersection. Three persons in that car, and the operator of the vehicle that did not stop, were taken to hospital with injuries.  A male front seat passenger in the car struck suffered a broken arm and other injuries. All have been released from hospital.

As a result of that injury, the RCMP contacted SiRT who assumed responsibility for the investigation into the actions of the RCMP officer.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call SiRT at 1-855-450-2010.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

The team can independently begin an investigation after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public.

The Police Act requires the director to file a public report summarizing the result of the investigation within three months after it is finished.

Media Contact:
Ron MacDonald, QC
Director
902-718-9707
macdonrj@gov.ns.ca