SiRT Concludes Investigation into Serious Injury Sustained During an Arrest in Dartmouth

The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) found no reasonable grounds to believe a Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officer acted with excessive force during an arrest in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

On December 11, 2024, multiple HRP officers responded to a call in the Wyse Road area of Dartmouth, related to the sighting of an adult male who was wanted by police for multiple offences, including flight from police, possession of stolen property, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. There was also information he may have been involved in a stabbing. 

The male fled from police and a foot pursuit ensued. When one of the officers caught up to the male, he positioned himself to fight the officer. The officer brought the male to the ground and a struggle took place as he continued to resist arrest. The officer delivered strikes to the male’s face to gain control. Other officers then arrived to assist in the arrest and take the male into custody. He was assessed by EHS for injuries and transported to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken collarbone.

On December 11, 2024, SiRT received a referral from HRP and began their investigation.

The Director’s summary report is available at: Recent Publications | SiRT.

SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of a public interest to be investigated that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.

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