Investigation Opened into Injury to Woman During Arrest Attempt

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has commenced an investigation into the arrest of a 25-year-old woman by two Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officers on Friday, July 10th.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., police went to an apartment building on Dawn Street in Fairview in relation to a complaint of unwanted persons at one of the apartments.  As they were removing people from the apartment, they located a woman they knew was wanted for arrest.  As they attempted to arrest her she entered another apartment, and was next seen on the ground outside the apartment, apparently having jumped from a window. She was taken to hospital where it was determined she suffered fractures in her back, pelvis, and wrist .

As a result of the injuries HRP referred the matter to SiRT in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act.  SiRT commenced its investigation into the matter this evening.

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

Ronald.j.macdonald@novascotia.ca