Report Released in HRP Foot Chase

The province’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has concluded that no charges should be laid against a Halifax Regional Police officer who chased a man who was trying to escape arrest.

On Nov. 7, 2012, police responded to a report of shoplifting by a man and woman at the Dartmouth Crossing Wal-Mart. The man had outstanding charges, and was arrested by police.  As he was taken to the police vehicle, he ran off.  A male officer chased him through two parking lots and across two streets. The suspect ran down a bank and jumped from a rock wall, fell and broke his leg. In an interview with SIRT investigators, he acknowledged the police officer was just doing his job.

SIRT has concluded the Halifax Regional Police officer was carrying out his duties when he chased the suspect. There are no grounds to consider any charges.

The full 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 Ron MacDonald.