No Charges Against RCMP Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has completed its investigation into the fatal shooting of a male in Truro in August 2019.

In the early morning hours of August 10, 2019, RCMP were investigating a complaint of a stolen vehicle from the Amherst area.  The vehicle was later spotted in the Truro area where an attempt to stop the vehicle was unsuccessful. The RCMP officer then alerted other officers in the area.

Shortly thereafter, an officer observed the stolen vehicle behind another vehicle at an intersection. When the officer approached the vehicle, the driver pulled forward, striking the officer, causing him to land on the hood. The driver sped off with the officer holding on to the wiper blade. The officer discharged his firearm before being thrown from the hood of the vehicle. The driver sustained injuries that caused his death.  

The investigation determined it was reasonable for the officer to conclude his life was in danger and the use of his firearm to shoot the suspect was justified in the circumstances. Therefore, no charges are warranted against the officer involved. 

A complete copy of the report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Felix Cacchione, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.

Media Contact:

Felix Cacchione

Director

902-718-9707