Category: Crime Of The Week

August 26, 2025, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information on the whereabouts of a man currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant.

Scott Leslie Allan Best, 48, from Westphal, is believed to be in the Halifax area. He is wanted and facing multiple charges including Assault, Assault with a Weapon, and Utter Threats.

Best is described as 5-foot-10 with a slim build. He has short dark brown hair and may have dark brown/greying facial hair.

Police have made several attempts to locate Scott Best and are requesting assistance from the public.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Scott Best is asked to call RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 1-800-803-7267 or local police. 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 #: 25-105770

August 22, 2025, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia… The Nova Scotia RCMP Commercial Crime Section (CCS) is investigating multiple reports of fraud relating to the sale of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Scammers are exploiting HVAC companies that are advertising genuine energy efficiency rebates online to lure people into signing up for loans. Once potential victims have entered their personal details into a social media link or website that appears to be about government-affiliated rebate programs, the information is sent to the fraudsters.

The scammers employ staff who believe they’re working for legitimate companies. These employees then follow up with prospective victims, arranging for sales reps to visit their homes. High-pressure sales tactics are then used to convince people to sign expensive financing contracts that can total more than $30,000.

“If the loan agreement is signed, the victim’s funds go straight to the scammers’ bank account,” says Cpl. Andy Bezanson, CCS investigator. “Then the fraudulent HVAC representatives cut off contact, leaving the victim to pay off the hefty loan for a system they never received.”

Investigators encourage anyone looking to purchase an HVAC system to do their due diligence. This means researching the company, its equipment, and who they’re offering financing through. It’s also important to be wary of financing that goes directly to companies, especially before work has started, and to understand how legitimate energy rebates work.

“You should never feel pressured to hire a contactor or enter into a financial contract with them; that’s a red flag,” says Cpl. Bezanson. “And don’t provide any personal information until you’re sure that the company you’re dealing with has an established record and is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.”

The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Halifax Regional Police Integrated Fraud group.

Anyone with information about this scam is asked to call police. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.

August 22, 2025, Digby, Nova Scotia… Digby RCMP has charged four men with firearms offences following a home invasion in Digby.

On August 18, at approximately 5:30 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a home invasion at a residence on Carlton St.

Four men forcefully entered the home while the residents were inside. One of the men, armed with a firearm, assaulted one of the residents, a 64-year-old man, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Responding officers safely arrested three of the men at the residence. The fourth man fled in a vehicle and was arrested later on August 18, in Yarmouth, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and RCMP officers from Yarmouth Rural Detachment, Yarmouth Town Detachment, and the Yarmouth General Investigation Section.  

Steven Wayne Johnson, 45, Caleb Trefry, 25, Teaghan Andrew MacKay, 23, and Brandon Lambert, 20, all of Yarmouth, have been charged with Robbery with Firearm, Break and Enter to Commit, and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

Lambert also faces charges of Failing to Comply with Order and Disguise with Intent, and MacKay faces an additional charge of Mischief.

The four men were remanded into custody following their initial court appearances.

Investigators believe that this was a targeted incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Digby RCMP Detachment at 1-902-245-2579. 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.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.

File #: 2025-1208324

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the murder of Donald David Snelgrove and the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

On August 21, 2000, at approximately 1:20 p.m., police responded to a report of a death at an apartment building in the 3600 block of Windsor Street in Halifax. Officers found Donald Snelgrove deceased in the living room of his apartment.

The investigation revealed that Donald had been assaulted some time prior to his death, and this assault was a contributing factor in his death. Investigators have information that Donald was allegedly the victim of an assault that occurred during a disturbance on Romans Avenue in Halifax sometime after 9 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2000. Investigators are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen Donald’s 1988 grey Plymouth Reliant in the area at the time of this disturbance and assault.

Investigators believe there are people who have information that could help solve Donald’smurder. Investigators hope that the passage of time will encourage them to do the right thing and come forward with what they know. It is never too late to come forward and the smallest piece of information may be just what is needed to progress the investigation.

Investigators ask anyone with information about Donald’smurder to contact police at 902-490-5020.

Donald’scase is part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program which offers cash rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for specified major unsolved crimes. Callers must contact the Rewards Program at 1-888-710-9090, must provide their name and contact information, and may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded. The amount of the award will be based on the investigative value of the information provided.

GO #00-33036

August 19, 2025, Westphal, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating a crash in Westphal and is looking for police assistance to identify the driver. 

On August 16, at approximately 1:09 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment and fire services responded to a report of a single vehicle crash in the 200 block of Lake Major Rd.  Upon arrival, RCMP officers learned that a Pontiac Grand Prix was travelling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control and struck a power pole, severing the pole.  The Pontiac then struck the back of a parked dump truck before it hit another power pole and caught on fire. 

The driver and sole occupant of the Pontiac, a man, was observed running into the nearby woods before police arrived.

Halifax Regional Police Canine Unit was engaged and attempted to locate the driver but was unsuccessful. 

Investigators are appealing to the public for help to identify and locate the driver. 

Anyone with information about the incident, or dashcam footage of the Pontiac Grand Prix before the crash, is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment 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 # 25-117497

On June 10, 2025, Ingonish RCMP received a call of a theft of a stolen fifth wheel RV. It was a beige and brown Forest River Crusader Lite trailer stolen from Meat Cove. Attached are photos of the suspect truck that towed the trailer off the pad. The trailer licence plate was: T522680.

Anyone with any information about this theft are asked to call Ingonish Beach RCMP at 902 285 2021. Anonymous tips can be sent to: www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS) or by using the P3 app. Police file number 2025-807194 refers.

The following is a photo of the vehicle which stole the trailer and a photo of the trailer:

On August 6th, 2025, Bridgewater Police Service (BPS) received a report of a theft that occurred at the Giant Tiger store in Bridgewater.

The male suspect is described as: Caucasian, medium build, wearing a black and white hat, grey t-shirt and white shorts with black shoes, wearing glasses and had facial hair.

The female suspect is described as Caucasian, medium build, wearing a hat, white t-shirt, black leggings and white sneakers. This was the description of suspects seen elsewhere in Nova Scotia committing the same thefts.

Any one with any information about this theft can call Bridgewater Police at (902) 543-2464. Anonymous tips can be sent to: www.crimstopeerrs.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477 or by using the P3 app.

The following are photos of these persons of of interest in this theft:

August 13, 2025, Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia… Victoria County District RCMP has arrested two people after an assault in Wagmatcook that left another person with serious injuries.

On August 11 at approximately 5:30 a.m., police received a report of an injured person on Fishery Rd. Officers attended and learned that the 33-year-old man from Manitoba had been assaulted earlier that morning by a man and a woman. The victim was transported to hospital by EHS.

During the investigation, officers identified the two people involved.

Charlie Francis, 22, of Wagmatcook, is charged with six offences including Aggravated Assault, Resist Arrest / Obstructs a Peace Officer, and Failure to Comply with Probation Order. He had a first court appearance on August 12 at Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court.

The woman was also arrested on August 11. She was released by police on conditions pending an upcoming court appearance.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to police or anyone with surveillance / dashcam footage showing the assault is asked to contact Victoria County District RCMP at 902-295-2350. 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 #: 2025-1165551