Investigation Begins into HRP Arrest of Suspect in August Theft Case

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a 34-year-old white male on Aug. 22, 2014. The male was arrested at the Dairy Queen on Dutch Village Road in Halifax for theft from another store.

Halifax Regional Police (HRP) had been called to a complaint of theft from the Superstore on Joseph Howe Drive shortly before noon.  A suspect in the matter was seen to enter the Dairy Queen shortly after noon and was arrested inside the restaurant by one male HRP member.  The suspect was placed in the officer’s police vehicle in the parking lot of the restaurant after the arrest. At that time, there was an interaction between the officer and the suspect. 

The matter was not originally referred to SiRT as the male suspect did not suffer serious injuries.  On September 25th the man made a complaint regarding the matter to the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner.  That office referred the complaint to HRP who, on October 17th,  have now referred the matter to SiRT for investigation under the public interest component of SiRT’s mandate.

Anyone who may have witnessed the interactions between the officer and the male suspect are asked to contact SiRT, toll free, 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 launch, or 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