No Charges Against Halifax Regional Police Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has released its report into the fatal shooting of an adult male in Dartmouth in August 2022.

On August 27th, 2022, members of the Halifax Regional Police responded to a 911 call in relation to a weapons complaint in Dartmouth. The caller stated that the passenger had refused to pay the taxi fare and then pointed what appeared to be a shotgun at them.

When officers arrived, the male presented himself to officers on the front steps of his residence. Police used de-escalation tactics and issued verbal commands for the male to come forward with his hands up; he did not comply and went back inside the home.

Moments later the male returned to the front steps with a shotgun. When the male raised his gun, one of the officers, fearing for his personal safety and the safety of others present, discharged his service weapon, striking the male. The man died at the scene.

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 male 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

Director

902-222-3699