Investigation Begins into HRP Pursuit

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the crash of a motor vehicle which followed a pursuit by Halifax Regional Police (HRP) and resulted in the driver suffering serious injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Police report attempting to stop a vehicle observed committing a motor vehicle infraction at the intersection of Bayers Road and Connaught.  The vehicle did not pull over, and was pursued along Bayers Road, to Young Street, onto Robie Street, reaching high speeds. The pursuit was ended but the vehicle continued onto Almon Street, and a few minutes later left the road and struck a house on George Dauphinee Avenue. A witness contacted 911 and EHS transported the man to hospital, where he remains.

As a result of the serious injuries, in accordance with the Police Act, HRP contacted SiRT this morning, who have assumed responsibility for the investigation into the pursuit and crash.

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 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