Category: Crime Of The Week

RCMP investigating fatal house fire in Big Harbour

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April 4, 2025, Big Harbour, Nova Scotia… Victoria County District RCMP, supported by the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, is investigating a fatal house fire that occurred in Big Harbour.

On April 3, at approximately 2:30 a.m., RCMP officers and fire services responded to a report of an active structure fire at a property on Big Harbour Rd. Upon arrival at the scene, first responders found a residence fully engulfed in flames.


One occupant of the home was located deceased.

At this time, the investigation, which is at an early stage, indicates that the cause of the fire is not suspicious. The investigation, however, is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this fire, or with surveillance video or dashcam footage that could support the investigation, is asked to call the Victoria County District RCMP at 902-295-2350. To remain anonymous, contact 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 #: 2025-430158

Police lay firearms charges after Nadia Dr search, Dartmouth

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Police have charged a man and seized a firearm after a search in Dartmouth yesterday.

On April 3, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m., police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Nadia Drive in Dartmouth in relation to a firearms investigation. Investigators arrested a man and seized a firearm.

Ronald Crowe, 54, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today on charges of:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  • Use imitation firearm in offence
  • Uttering threats
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order

This search, seizure and arrest is not related to recent shootings in Dartmouth or Halifax.

Police encourage anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact police at 902-490-5016. 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 via the P3 Tips App.

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Yarmouth Town RCMP charge female teacher with sexual offences

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April 4, 2025, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia… Yarmouth Town RCMP has charged an employee of the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education with sexual offences.

On March 4, RCMP officers received a report of a sexual assault involving a teacher and a youth victim. Officers learned that in February, a teacher who was on staff at Maple Grove Education Centre had inappropriate contact with a former student. The teacher was on leave at the time of the incident.

As a result of the investigation, on April 1, officers arrested 52-year-old Tina Lee Cottreau of Yarmouth. She has been charged with:

  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Interference
  • Sexual Exploitation

Cottreau was released on conditions and will appear at Yarmouth Provincial Court on May 12.

The investigation is ongoing. At this time, investigators do not believe there are other victims.

Officers have confirmed that Cottreau remains on leave from work.

The Nova Scotia RCMP encourages anyone who may be a survivor of sexual assault to come forward by contacting their local RCMP detachment or police of jurisdiction. Survivors can discuss incidents with officers before deciding to participate in an investigation and court process. To offer an anonymous tip, contact 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 #: 2025-28566 refers.

Police lay firearms charges in Dartmouth

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Police have charged two men and two women and seized two firearms after two searches in Dartmouth earlier this week.

On April 3, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m., police executed a search warrant at a residence on Fernhill Drive in Dartmouth in relation to a firearms investigation. Investigators arrested a man and a woman and seized one firearm.

Travae Kadeem Veldas Tynes, 30, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
  • Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

Jessica Sandra Tynes, 50, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a firearm – no license or certificate
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
  • Store a firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

On April 3 at approximately 8:45 p.m., police executed a search warrant at a residence on Newcastle Street in Dartmouth in relation to a firearms investigation. Investigators arrested a man and a woman and seized a firearm.

Francis Delvin Kendal Tynes, 31, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x2)
  • Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations (x2)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x2)
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (x2)
  • Possession of a firearm prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order (x2)
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

Lajuana Jakiera Bruce, 30, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x 2)
  • Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations (x 2)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x 2)
  • Possession of a firearm – no license or certificate
  • Possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm with ammunition
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  • Possession of a firearm/prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime

Police encourage anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact police at 902-490-5016. 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 via the P3 Tips App.

Police files 25-45752 and 25-45753 refer

Cole Harbour RCMP seeking information about vehicle-pedestrian collision  

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April 2, 2025, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information from the public in relation to a vehicle-pedestrian collision in Cole Harbour. 

Today, at approximately 8 a.m., RCMP officers received a report of a collision at the intersection of Cole Harbour Rd. and Perron Dr.  

Investigators learned that at approximately 7:20 a.m., a red SUV travelling east on Cole Harbour Rd. struck a pedestrian who was crossing the roadway in a marked and illuminated crosswalk near the intersection. The vehicle stopped and the driver asked the pedestrian if they were okay, but then failed to remain at the scene. 

The pedestrian, a youth from Cole Harbour, suffered minor injuries. 

The driver of the SUV is described as a white woman in her 50s. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

Anyone with information about this incident, including the licence plate number of the SUV or dashcam footage of the area, 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. 

Police file #: 25-44791 

Queens District RCMP charge man with attempted murder

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April 2, 2025, Mill Village, Nova Scotia… Queens District RCMP has charged a man with attempt to commit murder. 

On March 28 at approximately 3:30 a.m., RCMP officers and EHS responded to a weapons call at a home on Hwy. 3 in Mill Village. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a man with life-threatening injuries and learned that another man had left in a vehicle. The victim was transported to hospital by EHS.

At approximately 7:45 a.m., officers located the suspect at home in Voggler’s Cove and he was safely arrested.

Investigators have determined that the victim, a 84-year-old man, sustained injuries consistent with being stabbed. The men were known to each other and no one else was inside the home at the time of the incident.

Derek Dominix, age 60, of Mill Village, was charged with Attempt to Commit Murder and was remanded into custody. He will appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on April 10, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.

The investigation is continuing and is being led by Queens District RCMP with support from RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit.

Anyone with any information about this crime or any other crime can call their local police station or anonymous tips can be sent to www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 app or by calling 1 800 222 8477(TIPS).

Police file #: 2025-400725 refers.

Police charge Antigonish man with drug trafficking offences, seize drugs and weapons

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April 3, 2025, Antigonish, Nova Scotia… Police have charged an Antigonish man with drug trafficking offences and seized drugs and weapons after executing a search warrant in Afton Station.

On April 2, the Antigonish-Guysborough RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on West Arm Branch Rd. in Afton Station as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Officers safely arrested a man and seized cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. They also seized firearms and ammunition, a baton, and brass knuckles. Additionally, officers recovered a 2019 Keystone camper trailer that had been reported stolen.

Jed Douglas Decoste, 34, of Antigonish, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (three counts). He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Antigonish Provincial Court on May 14.

The ongoing investigation is assisted by the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU), the Port Hawkesbury Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and the Antigonish County District RCMP. Additional charges are anticipated.

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.

File #2025-421912

Notes:

  • A photo of the items seized is attached.
  • The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

Search warrant execution leads to seizure of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl

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April 3, 2025, Three Brook, Nova Scotia… Police have charged three people and seized synthetic drugs after a search warrant execution in Pictou County.

Pictou County Integrated Street Crimes Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) began an investigation related to a suspicious package being moved by courier. Investigation found that the package contained illicit, synthetic drugs with a delivery address in Three Brooks.

After the package was claimed, the PCISCEU executed a search warrant at an identified address on Three Brooks Rd.

During the warrant execution, which took place on March 27, officers safely arrested four people, seized fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, and recovered an enclosed trailer that was found to have been reported stolen.

Three people are facing charges related to this investigation:

  • Jake Bruce Murphy, 34, of Three Brooks, has been charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl) and Failure to Comply with Undertaking (three counts);
  • Rebecca Lynn Pitts, 48, of Three Brooks, has been charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl);
  • Merissa Ann Sutherland, 34, of Pictou, has been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Failure to Comply with Undertaking (two counts).

The three were released by police on conditions pending a court appearance on June 23, 2025, at Pictou Provincial Court.

The fourth person arrested was released without charges.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid pain reliever and is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin. More information about the dangers of fentanyl is available from Health Canada.

The investigation is ongoing and is assisted by Eastern Region Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC), Nova Scotia RCMP Synthetic Drugs and Scenes Unit, Antigonish/Guysborough Street Crimes Enforcement Unit, and Pictou County District RCMP.

Anyone with any further information about drug trafficking or any other crime can call their local police department. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS) or by using the P3 app.

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

Police File #: 2025-372478

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Police seek information regarding West Dover home invasion

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March 31, 2025, West Dover, Nova Scotia… The RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to seek the public’s assistance in relation to a home invasion in West Dover.

On December 13, at approximately 7:35 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of a home invasion on West Dover Rd.

During the course of the investigation, a light-coloured vehicle of interest that was present at the time of the incident was identified.

The investigation, led by the General Investigative Section of the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, continues. 

Anyone with information about the vehicle or 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 #: 24-169864

RCMP seeking information about hate motivated crime in Lower Ship Harbour

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March 31, 2025, Lower Ship Harbour, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating hate motived crime that occurred at a property in Lower Ship Harbour.

On March 25, at approximately 11:10 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment received a report of mischief at a residential property on West Ship Harbour Rd. RCMP officers learned that a Pride flag and an Every Child Matters flag located at the end of a driveway had been vandalized sometime the previous day.

The mischief is considered to have been motivated by hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to identify a person of interest who has grey hair and was wearing a black jacket, black pants and grey shoes at the time of the incident.

The RCMP takes incidents of hate with the utmost seriousness and condemns these criminal acts.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident, or who can identify the person of interest, 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 #: 25-40728