Investigation Begins into Arrest of Attempted Murder Suspect

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a 31 year-old male charged with the attempted murder of a Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officer.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on September 20, Police were attempting to arrest the man at the Metro Turning Point shelter where he was residing. During the attempt to arrest him, an officer was stabbed. The man was arrested, and returned to HRP cells.  He was noted to have suffered injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was treated and released. He was subsequently charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault of a police office, resisting arrest, and breach of undertaking.

SiRT did not initially commence an investigation as the man’s injuries do not meet the SiRT definition of serious injuries.  Subsequently, additional information led to the decision to investigate under the public interest component of SiRT’s mandate.

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
902-718-9707
macdonrj@gov.ns.ca