Statement from Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean on anniversary of Africville shooting

One year ago, the Africville community was celebrating their annual reunion. With no regard for those around them, multiple people began exchanging gunfire. Shots went into the crowd and five people were struck and left with serious injuries.

There is no place for violence at community events. The shooting was senseless, tragic and left a long-lasting impact on people of all ages.

Over the last year, investigators have worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and the Africville community.

We have completed over 100 judicial authorizations, allowing us to conduct searches, seizures and gather any evidence we can related to this crime. We have also spoken to over 200 people.

Unfortunately, each piece of evidence and each conversation has fallen short of what we need to successfully make an arrest and get a conviction.

In April, our partners at the Nova Scotia Department of Justice added this incident to the Major Unsolved Crimes Program. This program is typically reserved for homicides and missing persons cases. We applaud the Province for recognizing the serious impact this crime has had on the community and doing their part to help find those responsible.

Unfortunately, the $150,000 reward has not yet led to any tips.

We know it is a hard decision to come forward and talk to police. Fear, distrust or concern for safety are all valid concerns. But, speaking up can be a courageous way to stand up for your community.

As we mark the one-year anniversary of this terrible event, I am encouraged by the resilience of the Africville community. They have not let this incident stop them from holding their reunion again.

As police, we will do our part to help the community feel like they can come together to safely celebrate their history and culture without fear.

Our officers will be at the event and will be patrolling the surrounding area throughout the weekend. If you see anything concerning, flag down an officer or call 911.

Finally, if you have information about last year’s shooting, and the anniversary has encouraged you to come forward, our investigators are here and ready to talk to you.

Please call police at 902-490-5020. You can also call Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or the Major Unsolved Crimes Program, 1-888-710-9090.

Have a safe and joyful weekend.

Stolen White Ford Pickup from Mahone Bay

On July 19th, Lunenburg County District RCMP received a complaint regarding a male stealing a work truck which belongs to Mahone Marines in Mahone Bay. The male suspect was wearing a dark hoodie with a dark backpack and got into Mahone Marines work truck at 2:48AM. Mahone Marine work truck is described as White 2012 Ford F-150 with Nova Scotia License plate FRL 303 as well as company logo on both driver and passenger doors. Photos of the suspect and the vehicle are attached.

Anyone with any information about this theft can call Lunenburg District RCMP at 902 634 8674. 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.

Police file: 20251037627 refers.

Colchester County District RCMP investigating armed robbery

July 22, 2025, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia… Colchester County District RCMP is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a gas station on Robie St. in Lower Truro.

On July 21 at approximately 12:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery involving a utility knife. Investigators learned that a man entered the store wearing a mask and demanded money from the till and cigarettes while holding the weapon.

The man placed the money into a garbage can then left the store on foot. He went eastbound on Robie St., carrying the garbage can.

There were no other people in the store at the time of this incident. The employee did not report any injuries.

The man is believed to be between 5″8 and 5″10. He was wearing a green bucket hat, a long green coat that went to below the knees, black pants, black rubber boots, and a mask covering his face.

RCMP Police Dog Services attended the initial call to support Colchester County District RCMP. The file is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact police, including people who recognize the subject or who have dashcam or surveillance video of the area around Robie St. from Meadow Dr.  to Marshland Dr. around the time of this incident. Contact the Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820. 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 #: 2025-1042810

Digby RCMP charge two men after executing search warrant

July 22, 2025, North Range, Nova Scotia…Digby RCMP has charged two men after executing a search warrant at a residence on Ridge Rd. in North Range.

On July 17, Digby RCMP Detachment received a report of a break and enter where an ATV was taken from a home on North Range Cross Rd. in North Range.

On July 18, Digby RCMP Detachment with assistance of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of Ridge Rd. As a result of the search, officers located the stolen ATV.

Dallas Troy Doucette, 22, of North Range, is charged with:

  • Breaking, Entering and Committing
  • Theft of Other Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.00 
  • Fail to Comply Probation Order

Joshua Derrick Mitchell, 34, of North Range, is charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.00 

Doucette and Mitchell appeared in Digby Provincial Court on July 18 and were remanded into custody. Doucette is scheduled to appear in Digby Provincial Court again on September 15, 2025. Mitchell is to appear in Digby Provincial Court again on August 18, 2025. 

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Digby RCMP Detachment at 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.

File #: 2025-1021335

RCMP seeking assistance to identify people of interest in voyeurism investigation

July 22, 2025, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking assistance from the public in identifying a woman of interest in a voyeurism incident in Lower Sackville.

On July 14, RCMP officers received a report of a woman who entered the women’s bathroom at a business on Sackville Dr., and tried to use her phone to take a photo or video of another woman in a stall. When the woman in the stall yelled, the woman with the phone went into another stall. After spending several more minutes in the bathroom, the woman who tried to take the photo or video left the bathroom then the restaurant as the passenger in a black, 4-door Mercedes.

The woman is described as approximately 20 to 30 years old and has very long brown hair with blond highlights around her face. At the time of this incident, she was wearing black sweatpants, a black and white shirt, and white running shoes.

It should be noted that this incident is not believed to be associated to another incident of voyeurism recently reported in Lower Sackville. The person involved in the previous incident that took place on July 8 was identified and arrested. More information is available here.

Anyone with information about this incident or the woman’s identity 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 # 25-100362

Eskasoni RCMP charge man for weapons offences

July 22, 2025, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia… Eskasoni RCMP has charged a man with several weapons offences and officers seized a firearm and a crossbow after a weapons call.

On July 19 at approximately 11:20 p.m., Eskasoni RCMP received multiple reports of a person in possession of a firearm around Arena Rd. in Eskasoni. Officers attended the area and safely arrested Stephen Morris. The officers also located and safely seized a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Officers also executed a search warrant associated to this investigation at a residence on Sunrise Dr. and seized a crossbow and other items.

Morris, 39, of Eskasoni, had a first court appearance on July 21 and remains in custody pending future court appearances. He has been charged with a total of eleven offences, including Using a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence, Careless Use of a Firearm, and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

The investigation is ongoing and police anticipate further charges. Anyone with information about this incident who has not yet spoken with the RCMP is encouraged to contact Eskasoni RCMP Detachment at 902-379-2822. 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.

Police file #: 2025-1037576 refers.

Police seeking information after a report of a vehicle being shot at in North Preston

July 21, 2025, North Preston, Nova Scotia…The RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigative Division is seeking information in relation to a weapons complaint in North Preston. 

On July 19, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment received a report of a vehicle having been shot at in the area of Nelson Whynder Elementary School and the North Preston Cemetery on Downey Rd. The shooting occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. and shattered a window in the vehicle. No injuries were reported to police.

The investigation, led by the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the RCMP Forensic Identification Section, indicates the vehicle was struck by a metal pellet.

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 #: 25-102973

Lower Sackville RCMP investigating suspicious male who approached a girl

July 18, 2025, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking assistance to identify a man following a suspicious incident in Lower Sackville.

On July 15, RCMP officers responded to a report of a suspicious person on Windwood Dr. Investigators learned that at approximately 5:45 p.m., a man driving a silver car stopped on the street and told a teenage girl to get into the car. When the girl refused and ran away, the man initially followed her in the car then got out of the car and briefly followed her on foot on Baker Dr.

The girl quickly went to a safe location and reported the incident to an adult. The vehicle left the area. Police did patrols but did not locate the vehicle. Investigators have followed up with homes and businesses in the area for awareness of the incident and to request video surveillance that shows the area around the time it took place.

Police are seeking assistance from the public to identify the man involved. He is described as about 6-foot-0 with a slim build, balding, with no facial hair. He was wearing a light blue, short-sleeved shirt, light-coloured shorts, and closed-toe sandals. The car is a believed to be a silver Honda Civic or a similar make and model.

Police want to speak with anyone who may have information about this incident, or anyone with video that may show the incident or the vehicle in the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. 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 #: 25-100794

Kings District RCMP charges man for multiple sexual offences

July 17, 2025, Cambridge, Nova Scotia… Kings District RCMP has charged a man for multiple sexual offences following a report of a sexual assault in Cambridge.

On July 7, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Kings District RCMP responded to a report of a woman who had been sexually assaulted at a home in Cambridge.

Through the investigation, supported by the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit and the Nova Scotia RCMP Forensic Identification Section, officers have charged Tyler Matthew Winchester, 27, of Cambridge, with:

  • Trafficking in Persons
  • Material Benefit – Trafficking
  • Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration
  • Administering Noxious Thing
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Uttering Threats
  • Assault (two counts)
  • Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Weapon

Winchester was held in custody and appeared in Kentville Provincial Court on July 9. He remains in custody and is scheduled to next appear on August 6.

“The offences for which Winchester is charged involve one victim, but the investigation is ongoing and we have not ruled out the potential for more victims,” says S/Sgt. Ed Nugent, Senior Operations NCO for Kings District RCMP. “Anyone who may be experiencing human trafficking is encouraged to contact the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking hotline or their local police. Our first priority is supporting survivors, and we only proceed if they’re comfortable with charges being laid.”

Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline (monitored 24/7 by specially trained victim support police officer): 902-449-2425. Anonymous calls can be made by contacting Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.

File #2025-964249

Kings District RCMP charges man for multiple sexual offences

July 17, 2025, Cambridge, Nova Scotia… Kings District RCMP has charged a man for multiple sexual offences following a report of a sexual assault in Cambridge.

On July 7, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Kings District RCMP responded to a report of a woman who had been sexually assaulted at a home in Cambridge.

Through the investigation, supported by the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit and the Nova Scotia RCMP Forensic Identification Section, officers have charged Tyler Matthew Winchester, 27, of Cambridge, with:

  • Trafficking in Persons
  • Material Benefit – Trafficking
  • Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration
  • Administering Noxious Thing
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Uttering Threats
  • Assault (two counts)
  • Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Weapon

Winchester was held in custody and appeared in Kentville Provincial Court on July 9. He remains in custody and is scheduled to next appear on August 6.

“The offences for which Winchester is charged involve one victim, but the investigation is ongoing and we have not ruled out the potential for more victims,” says S/Sgt. Ed Nugent, Senior Operations NCO for Kings District RCMP. “Anyone who may be experiencing human trafficking is encouraged to contact the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking hotline or their local police. Our first priority is supporting survivors, and we only proceed if they’re comfortable with charges being laid.”

Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline (monitored 24/7 by specially trained victim support police officer): 902-449-2425. Anonymous calls can be made by contacting Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.

File #2025-964249 refers.