Investigation Commenced into Injuries During HRP Arrest

At approximately 9:15 p.m. April 16, 2017, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) received information about a potential assault that may occur in Halifax. The information suggested a group of persons were attempting to locate a male in the downtown area. One of the group was said to be armed with a pipe.

HRP officers responded, and located the group, but were unable to locate a weapon. A short while later they located a 24-year-old male exiting the Niche restaurant in the Maritime Centre whom they believed may be linked to the weapon. During an interaction between the police and the male he suffered an injury to his face. He initially declined medical attention, but later in the evening went to hospital. He is now believed to have suffered a fracture near his eye.

As a result of the injuries HRP contacted SiRT this morning at 2:30 a.m., at which time SiRT assumed responsibility for investigation into the circumstances of the male’s injury.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call 902-424-2010, or toll free 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.

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