Year: 2025

January 21, 2025, Heathbell, Nova Scotia… Pictou County District RCMP is appealing to the public for information in relation to an investigation into weapons possession and threats.

On January 18, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Pictou County District RCMP responded to a report that three or four people attended a home on Macleod Rd. in Heathbell with firearms. Officers from neighbouring RCMP detachments also responded.

Upon arrival, officers located and safely arrested two men as they exited the home. No firearm was observed. The two men were later released, and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers believe other people were involved in the incident and fled from the area before officers arrived. The investigation also indicates that a grey Honda Civic and a dark-coloured truck were observed near the home moments before the incident was reported to police, and officers have seized a blue 2008 GMC Sierra as part of the investigation.

Pictou County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance to identify the Civic and the dark-coloured truck, and the other people who may have been involved in the incident.

Anyone who observed suspicious circumstances or vehicles around Heathbell near the time of this incident or who may have more information is asked to contact the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. 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 #: 2025-80814

On December 5, 2024, Cape Breton Regional Police were called to an arson at a residence located at 348 Eighth Street in New Waterford. This fire was deemed suspicious and police are asking that if anyone knows anything about this arson to call police at 902 563 5151. Anonymous tips about this arson can be submitted on line at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477(TIPS) or by using the P3 app.

SCAM

January 17, 2025, Halifax Regional
Municipality, Nova Scotia…
Police in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) are warning of a roofing and
chimney contractor scam and are seeking information from the public.

Between January 5 and January 10, RCMP
Halifax Regional Detachment and the Halifax Regional Police responded to four
reports of fraud where a group of men were canvassing door-to-door and offering
homeowners chimney repair services.

Investigators learned that homeowners paid
an agreed amount to the men representing a false masonry company. Once
demolition occurred, the men then request a much greater amount in order to
complete the work agreed upon. During each incident the work was never
completed.

At this time, the information gathered
indicates that the masonry company is fictitious and that victims were referred
to a very convincing construction website, leading them to believe the company
is real.

In each incident, there was a group of at
least four men. Photos of the men believed to be involved are
attached.

The investigation, led by the RCMP/HRP
Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident
is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. 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 #’s:
25-1992/25-2038/25-2401/25-2728/25-4280

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