Police investigate shooting

Halifax Regional Police is investigating a shooting that occurred yesterday.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers were called to the Dartmouth General Hospital after an unconscious man with a gunshot wound was dropped off at the hospital’s front door. The man, 23, is now in stable condition.

The investigation is in the early stages, but investigators believe this was a targeted incident and not a broad threat to the general public. 

There is no evidence to suggest this incident is connected to the shooting in Dartmouth on Sunday morning.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident or video from the area to call police at 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.

File $25-10460

Missing person: Help the RCMP find Murdock “Kyle” MacKinnon

January 21, 2025, Tantallon, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 42-year-old Murdock “Kyle” MacKinnon.

MacKinnon is described as 6-foot-0 and has brown hair. MacKinnon was last seen in Tantallon on January 18, 2025. He may be driving a black Ford Flex with a white top, with Ontario licence plate CZZC674.

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

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Murdock “Kyle” MacKinnon is asked to contact the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 or the police of jurisdiction. 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.

Police File number: 2025-9707 refers.

High-Risk Offender Notification: George Durling

In accordance with the Nova Scotia Release of High-Risk Offender Information Protocol, Halifax Regional Police is advising citizens, particularly those in Dartmouth, that a high-risk offender is residing in the community.

George Durling, 57, has been granted statutory release at the Jamieson Community Correctional Centre in Dartmouth.

Durling is a federal offender serving a two-year sentence for convictions of:

–Distribution of Child Pornography

–Print/Publish Child Pornography (x3)

–Failure to Comply with Probation Order (x2)

–Harassing Communication and Indecent Communication

Durling was known to text and call random phone numbers with sexually explicit content.

These offences occurred in both Truro and Maitland Nova Scotia.

Durling has previously been sentenced to:

–Three years of probation related to a sexual assault in Manitoba (1992)

–Eighteen months of probation for an assault in Truro (2019)

–One year of probation for an indecent act in Truro (2022)

Durling’s probation and parole conditions limit him from being around children under 16 years of age. He must not consume alcohol, use or possess any device that allows him to access the internet and may only possess one unlocked phone that can be monitored by his parole supervisor. He must reside at a specific place, report all relationships and have no contact with victims of his prior offenses.

This information is provided to alert members of the public of his presence in the community and is not intended to encourage any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct.

Police file 25-4470 refers.

Halifax police investigate double shooting in Dartmouth with one deceased victim

Halifax Regional Police is investigating a suspicious death following an incident that occured in Dartmouth early this morning.

At 2:53 a.m. police responded to multiple reports of gunshots being fired in the area of Lahey Road and Clarence Street in Dartmouth. Officers located two people suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately provided first aid.  An adult male and an adult female were both transported to hospital by Emergency Health Services where the male victim succumbed to his injuries. The female’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

The investigation is being led by investigators with the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division.  Officers will have a visible presence at the scene as the investigation continues.

The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service is conducting an autopsy.  Further updates will be provided once they are available.

Investigators are asking anyone who has not already spoken to police and who may with information or video from the area, including dashcam footage, to call 902-490-5020.

Anyone with any information about this crime can call Halifax Regional Police at 902 490 5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by calling 1800 222 8477 (TIPS) or by using the P3 app.

Police file 25-8678 refers.

Antigonish RCMP Street Crime Unit busts drug trafficking ring involving fentanyl and meth

Street Crime Enforcement Units executes drug warrant in drug trafficking investigation

January 20, 2025, Lower South River, Nova Scotia… The RCMP’s Antigonish-Guysborough Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) is continuing to enforce the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) with a recent search warrant execution, their second so far in 2025.  

On January 10, the Antigonish-Guysborough SCEU, with support from the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, Port Hawkesbury Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and Antigonish County District RCMP, executed a search warrant on a residence on Park Blvd. Officers seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and prescription pills, as well as cash, a replica handgun, money counter, and other items associated to drug trafficking.

Jed Decoste, 34, of Lower South River, was arrested at the time of the warrant execution and is facing four charges for Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and four charges for Trafficking a Controlled Substance. A second person arrested is also facing charges related to the CDSA.

This search warrant execution and other investigations related to the trafficking of illicit drugs is part of the ongoing effort to enforce the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the commitment to supporting healthier, safer communities in Nova Scotia. Information about an unrelated search warrant execution lead by Antigonish-Guysborough SCEU on January 2 is available here.

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 #: 2025-33082

Lunenburg RCMP charge five people with attempted murder and weapons offence

January 21, 2025, Wileville, Nova Scotia… Lunenburg District RCMP has arrested and charged three adults and two youths following a stabbing in Wileville.

On January 12, at approximately 9:20 p.m., RCMP officers received a report that a youth was being transported to hospital by a family member following an assault.

Investigators learned that the youth was walking on Main St. when they were approached by a vehicle. Four people exited the vehicle and assaulted the youth with a knife.

The youth got away on foot and was treated for serious injuries.

Between January 12 and 17, Lunenburg RCMP safely arrested five people associated to this incident, at several different locations. Ira Leblanc, 18, of Bridgewater, Emma Jollimore, 18, of Bridgewater, and Braeden Meisner, 18, of Midville Branch, are each facing charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose. Two youths are also facing charges. All five people had first court appearances at Bridgewater Provincial Court in the days following their arrests.

Officers also located and seized the vehicle associated to this incident at a residence in Bridgewater and executed a search on it to locate and seize further evidence.

The Nova Scotia RCMP Forensic Identification Section and Nova Scotia RCMP Digital Forensics Services is supporting the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lunenburg District RCMP at 902-527-5555. 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 #: 2025-53065

Pictou County District RCMP investigating report of weapons and threats; appealing to public for information

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

Police Investigate New Waterford Arson

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.

Police warn of a masonry and chimney

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 advise citizens of recurring scam targeting seniors

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.