Investigation Begins into HRP Shooting

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the  shooting of a suspect by a Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officer. 

At approximately 7 p.m. on June 27, officers were investigating a matter on Gaston Road in Dartmouth.  As they attempted to arrest a man believed to be in his thirties, he produced a weapon and was able to escape from the officers on foot.  A short time later, patrol officers, who were in the area as back-up, found the suspect in a field behind Prince Arthur Junior High. During the course of trying to arrest him, one of the patrol officers shot the man.

The man was taken by EHS to the QEII hospital and is to undergo treatment on Friday for non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the injuries, in accordance with the Police Act, HRP contacted SiRT shortly after the incident.  SiRT responded to the scene and have assumed responsibility for the investigation into the shooting.

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 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
Serious Incident Response Team
902-718-9707
macdonrj@gov.ns.ca