Police are advising citizens to be cautious of a scam that targets seniors that is continuing to occur throughout our region and are asking for the public’s assistance identifying the man in the attached photo who is a suspect involved in multiple frauds committed in the Halifax area.

The suspect is described as a man between 30 to 40-years-old, wearing all black clothing, a black medical mask, and glasses. The suspect has short black hair that appears to be shaved or a very short fade on the sides and back of his head. The suspect might be travelling in a white SUV type of vehicle.  

The Financial Crime Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continue to receive reports in relation to a scam intended to defraud seniors of their money. In each incident, the victim received a call from someone pretending to be a family member who indicated that they have been arrested, they are in jail and need bail money. 

Another person representing themselves to be from the legal system becomes involved in the call and informs the victim that they need to pay money to have their loved one released from custody. In all recent incidents, a suspect made arrangements to pick up the money in person by attending the victim’s residence or meeting in a public place.

Halifax Regional Police remind people not to be pressured to act immediately.Scammers try to create a sense of urgency so you will take immediate action and not have time to think the situation through or consult someone else.

If you receive a call like this, do not provide or confirm any personal or financial information and hang up the phone. In Canada, law enforcement and court officials will not attend a residence to collect money in relation to bail.

Be suspicious of any emails or calls asking for money and make sure the person is legitimate before providing any money. Scammers can spoof phone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source. You should not give personal information to anyone, whether solicitation occurs by email, telephone or in person, unless you are certain of the identity of the individual and/or the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent.

Police are asking the public to share this information broadly, particularly with seniors, to help raise awareness of this scam. Anyone with information about the man’s identity or his whereabouts is urged to contact Halifax Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.

Call police at 902-490-5020 if you’ve lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or call 1-888-495-8501.

January 16, 2025, Millbrook, Nova Scotia… January 16 marks one year since Zachery Kellock was reported missing and police launched an investigation into his disappearance.

On January 14, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Kellock left his home in Truro in a vehicle with two other people. When he had not returned two days later, his family reported him to police as a missing person. 

The investigation into Kellock’s disappearance was initially led by Truro Police Service. When investigators learned that Kellock was last seen on Millbrook First Nation after leaving his home, the RCMP took over the investigation. It is now led by the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (NEN MCU) and NEN MCU investigators believe that criminality is a factor in the suspicious disappearance.

At the time of his disappearance, Kellock was described as 5-foot-10, 159 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark grey leather jacket. He was 23 years old at the time.

Over the last year, investigators have continued to follow up on information and leads as they have been received. In addition to NEN MCU, RCMP officers from Colchester County District RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and Truro Police Service have assisted with this investigation.

“A missing person investigation leaves so many unanswered questions for the missing person’s loved ones,” says Cpl. Jennifer Tichonchuk, NEN MCU. “We believe that there are people who have the information that will help us answer these questions about Zach, and we ask that they reach out to police or to Crime Stoppers to share what they know. Even the smallest detail may make a big difference as we continue the investigation.”

When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person, their family, and others who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Zach, please contact the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit at 902-896-5060. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2024-67453

Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating an assault that took place on October 20th, 2024 in South Bar, Nova Scotia.

The victim was meeting someone from a dating app. When the subject arrived, the victim realized it was not the same person they were portraying to be on the dating app. An assault occurred and the subject fled the scene.

Subject is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 25 years old, clean-shaven, brown hair wearing a baseball cap and grey sweater.  Subject was operating a white ford f-150 (2010-2015 model)

Anyone with information is asked to call Cape Breton Regional Police at 902 5655151. Anonymous tips can be sent to www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or tipsters can call 1 800 222 8477(TIPS) or can use the P3 app.

Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating an assault that took place on October 20th, 2024 in South Bar, Nova Scotia.

The victim was meeting someone from a dating app. When the subject arrived, the victim realized it was not the same person they were portraying to be on the dating app. An assault occurred and the subject fled the scene.

Subject is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 25 years old, clean-shaven, brown hair wearing a baseball cap and grey sweater.  Subject was operating a white ford f-150 (2010-2015 model)

Anyone with information is asked to call Cape Breton Regional Police or Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Police File # 2024068593

Search warrant executed for drug trafficking investigation

January 9, 2025, Lower South River, Nova Scotia…  The RCMP’s Antigonish-Guysborough Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has arrested multiple people after executing a search warrant at a home in Lower South River.

On January 2, officers from the Antigonish-Guysborough SCEU, with assistance from the Pictou County Integrated SCEU and the Antigonish County District RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence on Rogers Dr. in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Four people were arrested at the home without incident.

At the residence, investigators seized a quantity of cocaine, cash, five firearms, a taser, a baton, and property that had been stolen from a local business.

A 27-year-old man and 25-year-old woman, both of Lower South River, will face charges of:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Possessing a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

They were released from custody to appear in Antigonish Provincial Court on February 26.

Ellsworth Decoste, 37, of Frankville, was also arrested at the residence for outstanding warrants. He faces new charges of Failure to Comply with Release Conditions (three counts) and Theft Under $5,000. He was held in custody and attended Antigonish Provincial Court on January 2.

The fourth person arrested was released without charges.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Note: The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

File: 2025-3679

On Thursday January 9th, 2025 at 08:36 hrs, Yarmouth Town RCMP received a report of Theft of Car, that was last seen in Yarmouth.

Anyone with any information about this car theft or any other crime area asked to call Yarmouth RCMP at 902742 4590. Anonymous tips about this crime or any other crime can be left at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477(TIPS) or by using the P3 app.

Police file: 202536535 refers.

January 13, 2025, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia… The Annapolis District RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged a West Dalhousie man with multiple offences after executing a search warrant at a home in Bridgetown.

On January 9, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, the Annapolis District RCMP SCEU, in conjunction with the Valley Integrated SCEU and Annapolis County RCMP detachments, executed a search warrant at a residence on Morse Rd.

Officers safely arrested a man outside the home and searched the property.

During the search, RCMP officers seized four shot guns; four rifles; five conducted energy weapons; a crossbow; a knife; a switchblade; brass knuckles; quantities of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin; drug paraphernalia; and cash. The items, along with the man’s vehicle, were seized.

Ryan Laviolette, 36, appeared before a judge on January 9 and was remanded into custody pending a court appearance in Annapolis Royal today.

Laviolette is facing multiple charges, including:

• Careless Use of a Firearm (16 counts)
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (16 counts)
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (16 counts)
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (8 counts)
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (8 counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)
• Breach of Probation

The investigation is ongoing.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.

File #: 2025-31629

Halifax Regional Police is requesting the public’s assistance with the investigation into the theft of artwork from a Halifax residence in November 2024.

On November 25, police received a report that three pieces of artwork, had been stolen from a residence in the 1900 block of Cambridge Street in Halifax. 

Each piece is described as a framed Christmas card by Maud Lewis. The cards are approximately 7” x 5” in size. The cards are matted and framed and each believed to be valued in excess of ten thousand dollars.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or video from the area to call 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or using the P3 Tips App.

24-160602

Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit charge man with Murder

January 13, 2025, Centreville, Nova Scotia… The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit has charged a man with Murder (second degree).

On January 11, at approximately 3 a.m., Kings District RCMP, Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, and EHS, responded to a report of a structure fire on Anthony Ave. in Centreville. Upon arrival, first responders observed that a home was engulfed in flames and fire crews were able to extinguish the fire. Six people were able to escape the home safely prior to the arrival of first responders and none were injured.

During the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old woman was located deceased inside the home. From the initial information and evidence gathered, investigators believed that both the death and the fire were suspicious in nature. The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (MCU) took carriage of the investigation and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the woman’s death was the result of homicide. The woman’s death was the result of intimate partner violence.

On January 11, at approximately 12 p.m., at the request of Southwest Nova RCMP MCU, Annapolis District RCMP located and arrested a 28-year-old man on Hwy. 8 near Lequille. The man was transported to the Bridgetown RCMP Detachment and was later transferred to the New Minas RCMP Detachment, where he remained in custody overnight.

On January 12, Justin Joseph Benjamin, of Centreville, was charged with Murder and Arson with Disregard to Human Life. Benjamin has been remanded into custody and will appear in Kentville Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on January 13.

The investigation is continuing and is being assisted by Kings District RCMP, Annapolis District RCMP, the Kentville Police Service, the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, the Office of the Fire Marshal, and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.

We encourage anyone experiencing, or at risk of, intimate partner violence to reach out. Support is available across Nova Scotia and can be accessed by dialing 211, calling the provincial toll-free line at 1-855-225-0220, or visiting Nova Scotia 211 online. You can access support anonymously.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 902-679-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

Our thoughts continue to remain with the victim’s loved ones, and the community, at this difficult time.

Police File #: 2025-46453 refers.

January 10, 2025, Colchester County, Nova Scotia… The RCMP Northeast Nova Major Crime Unit (NEN MCU) has charged a Bathurst, New Brunswick, man with two counts of Murder (second degree) in relation to two homicides in Colchester County.

On January 8, at approximately 3:30 p.m., 35-year-old Ronald Albert Canuel, who was wanted on an arrest warrant, was arrested after the vehicle he was driving was located by the New Brunswick RCMP’s Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) outside an apartment building in Campbellton.

In consultation with NEN MCU, Campbellton RCMP, supported by the New Brunswick RCMP Police Dog Services team, PCRU, and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, responded to the scene and safely arrested Canuel outside the building.

Canuel has been remanded into custody and transported back to Nova Scotia to appear in Truro Provincial Court.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information about these murders can contact the Colchester RCMP at: 902 892 6820. Anonymous tips can be sent to www.crimestopprs.ns.ca or calls can be made to 1800 222 8477 (TIPS) or via the P3 app.

Our thoughts remain with the victims’ loved ones at this difficult time.

Police file #s: 2024-1841812, 2024-1849220, 2024-1853310 refer.