SiRT to Investigate Discharge of Firearm by Halifax Regional Police Officer

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discharge of a firearm by a Halifax Regional Police officer.

On August 25, Halifax Regional Police were investigating a complaint of a stolen vehicle. At approximately 8:20 p.m. officers located the vehicle in the south end of Halifax. As the police closed in on the truck, the driver put it in reverse and hit the police car. When the driver began to flee, another officer discharged his service weapon in an attempt to stop the vehicle and arrest the suspect. The vehicle came to a stop after hitting a nearby tree. The suspect was taken into custody and determined to have suffered a gun shot wound. He was treated in hospital and released.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact SiRT at 902-424-2010 or toll free at 1-855-450-2010 with any information they may have.

SiRT’s mandate is to investigate actions of police that may have led to serious injury or death, or where those actions may raise a significant public interest.

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:

Felix Cacchione

Director

902-718-9707