SiRT Will Investigate Discharge of Firearm by Halifax Regional Police Officer

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) will investigate the circumstances surrounding a police involved shooting that occurred in Dartmouth.

On September 3, Halifax Regional Police were investigating a complaint of a stolen vehicle. At approximately 7:45 p.m. officers located the vehicle with two occupants inside parked on Brule Street. Officers surrounded the vehicle, attempting to arrest the suspects. The driver, fleeing from police, struck several police vehicles with officers on foot nearby. At this point, one of the police officers discharged their service pistol at the vehicle.

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. After some initial investigation, it has been determined the matter meets SiRT’s mandate as a matter of significant public interest. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Felix Cacchione.

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:

Shauna MacDonald

Acting Director

902-471-3936