Investigation Commences into Circumstances of Barrington Street Shooting

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the facts surrounding the death of a man by gunshot early this morning on Barrington Street, Halifax.

At 4:19 a.m. HRP received a complaint about a gunshot heard in the Hollis Street area of downtown.  The shot was heard shortly after 4 persons had been denied a room at a local Hotel.  Police responded and were searching the downtown area and other local hotels for these subjects.

At 4:40 a.m. police located three of the individuals on Blowers Street.  As police approached, one of the men ran from police, and continued to run south on Barrington Street.  As he was running, a gun went off, apparently causing a self-inflicted wound. EHS transported the 25-year-old man to hospital where he has since passed away.   The fourth man was located at a Glebe Street address a short time later.
 
As a result of the death, HRP contacted SiRT within 15 minutes of the shooting.  SiRT commenced its investigation immediately and that continues.  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