Injury Suffered After Cape Breton Regional Police Foot Chase Investigated

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the arrest of a 25-year-old male by members of the Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP) early on July 2.

Members of the CBRP responded to a home invasion complaint late on July 1.  At approximately 12:40 a.m. today, July 2, they encountered a person identified as the suspect on the corner of Townsend and George Streets in Sydney.  When police approached the suspect, he fled on foot.  The police pursued him as he ran behind residences on George Street across from the Sydney Curling Club.  The suspect then climbed a high fence behind those homes and jumped to the other side. He was apprehended and complained of an injury to his ankle. EHS was called and the suspect was taken to hospital where it was confirmed he had broken his ankle. He was treated and later released back into police custody.

The suspect has been charged with various offences, including home invasion, assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and breach of probation. He was scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Sydney today.

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