The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) released a report today regarding the investigation into the shooting and arrest of a Pictou County area man.

Shortly before 9 pm on August 3, 2020, a 911 call was received about property damage to a home committed by a person known to the caller. The caller indicated the person, the Affected Party (AP) who had already left the premises, was intoxicated, suffered from mental illness, and was violent.

While conducting patrols, an officer located the AP in a residential area and attempted to verbally engaged him from the police vehicle. The AP refused to comply with the officer’s commands and continued to walk away. Moments later a second officer pulled into the residential street, exited the police vehicle, and told the AP to stop. The AP did not stop as instructed but continued to approach the officer pulling a knife from his jacket. The officer deployed his Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW), which had no effect on the AP. The AP continued to approach the officer with the uplifted knife. Fearing for his personal safety, the officer discharged three rounds from his service weapon  striking the AP with all three shots. The AP was transported to hospital where he received medical attention.

The investigation found 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.

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.

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Khalehla Perrault
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Email: Khalehla.Perrault@novascotia.ca