You are here

Investigation Begins into Annapolis Royal Police Pursuit

Dec
27
The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating a police pursuit involving the Annapolis Royal Police Department on Sunday, Dec. 23.
 
At about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 23, the RCMP requested help from Annapolis Royal Police to search for a suspected impaired driver. An Annapolis Royal Police officer began to follow a vehicle travelling west on Highway 1 through Annapolis Royal. The officer turned on his emergency lights and siren and followed the vehicle a short distance after it went through an intersection. 
 
Just outside of town limits, the vehicle left the highway. The driver suffered non-life threatening injuries, which required hospitalization, and a pregnant 16-year-old passenger was later taken to hospital, where her unborn child was found to have died.
 
In accordance with the Police Act, early on Dec. 24, the Annapolis Royal Police referred the incident to SIRT, which assumed responsibility for the investigation into the pursuit.
 
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call 902-424-2010.
 
SIRT 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.
 
SIRT can independently launch an investigation or begin one 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 director must file a public report of the investigation within three months after it is finished.