Investigation Begins into Halifax Regional Police

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating an injury suffered by a man as he ran from Halifax Regional Police in Dartmouth.

 

At about 3:30 p.m., Nov. 27, police arrested a middle-aged man suspected of shoplifting from Walmart in Dartmouth Crossing. While being escorting to a police vehicle, he ran from police. One police officer ran after him through the Walmart parking lot, across a street, through the Golf Town/Staples parking lot, across another street, and down an embankment leading to the parking lot in front of the JYSK store. 

 

He was arrested by the police officer as he was laying on the ground with a broken leg. A second officer arrived in a police vehicle. An ambulance was called soon after.

 

In accordance with the Police Act, the Halifax Regional Police Service referred the incident to the SIRT, which assumed responsibility for the investigation.

 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call SIRT at 902-424-2010.

 

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.