No Charges Against RCMP Officer Involved in Shooting

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has released its report into the shooting of an adult male by a member of the Colchester County RCMP.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on June 2, 2022, members of the Cumberland County District and Colchester County District RCMP responded to a 911 call in Malagash, Cumberland County of a man armed with an axe, threatening to kill his mother. The mother fled her home out of fear for her safety but left her adult daughter in the home with her son.

When officers arrived, attempts to ask the male to come out were unsuccessful. One officer went to the back of the residence, breached the door, and made entry into the home The male advanced toward the officer with the large axe in his hand and in a raised position. In an attempt to stop the male, the officer engaged his conducted energy weapon (CEW), but the taser had no effect on the male. Fearing for his personal safety, the officer discharged his service weapon, striking the male in the leg. The male was taken into custody and transported to hospital where he received medical attention for his wound.

The investigation found it was reasonable for the officer to conclude his life was in danger and the use of his firearm to shoot the suspect was justified in the circumstances. Therefore, no charges are warranted against the officer. 

A complete copy of the report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Alonzo Wright, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge. 

Media Contact:

Alonzo Wright, KC

Director

902-222-3699