Two Investigations Commenced: Broken Arm in Arrest in Enfield and Dunbrack Street Car Accident

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating two new matters which arose on Thursday evening and Friday morning. 

The first involves an arrest by Enfield RCMP of an intoxicated male early Thursday evening in Enfield.  Members were called to a residence on John Murray Drive, and on arrival they encountered three intoxicated males. One was alleged to have uttered threats and to be causing a disturbance.  During the police efforts to place the male under arrest it appeared one of his arms was broken. As a result EHS was called and the man was taken to hospital, where the broken arm was confirmed.

As a result of that injury, the RCMP contacted SiRT who assumed responsibility for the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest.

The second incident occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m. Friday morning on Dunbrack Street in Halifax.  A Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officer was attempting a traffic stop of a car for a motor vehicle violation.  Police terminated their pursuit after a short time, and some minutes later the vehicle was found after having left the roadway and crashed near Wentworth Street. Two injured occupants of the vehicle were transported to the QEII. One was found to have a broken pelvis. The third occupant, a 14-year-old male believed to be the driver, was apprehended, uninjured, a short distance away by a police K9 team. 

HRP contacted SiRT as a result of the accident and probable injuries.  SiRT attended the scene of the accident this morning and has assumed responsibility for investigating the pursuit and subsequent accident.

The investigation into both matters continues.

Anyone who may have witnessed either 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 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