Kings RCMP investigating indecent acts

June 27, 2025, Port Williams, Nova Scotia… Kings District RCMP is investigating indecent acts that occurred in Port Williams and the Berwick area.

On June 26, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Kings District RCMP responded to a report of a man exposing himself while alongside Hwy. 358, near the 960 block, in Port Williams. The man is described as 40-50 years old. He was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, a ball cap, and a backpack. RCMP officers patrolled the area but didn’t locate the man.

On June 25, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a man exposing himself on the Harvest Moon Trail, between Commercial St. and Bent Rd., near Berwick. The man is described as approximately 30 years old, and about 5-foot-10. He was wearing a white tank top and black shorts. RCMP officers searched the trail and spoke with people in the area, but the man was not found.

The investigations are ongoing; however, officers don’t believe the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information regarding these men or these indecent acts is asked to contact Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555. 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 #: 2025-901488, 2025-893761

Pictou County police seize cocaine and methamphetamine, charge woman with drug trafficking

June 26, 2025, Westville, Nova Scotia… The Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) has charged a woman with drug trafficking after executing a search warrant in Westville as part of an ongoing investigation.

On June 18, the PCISCEU, with assistance from Westville Police Service, executed a search warrant at a home on MacKay St. Officers safely arrested a 41-year-old woman and seized a quantity of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, 900 pills believed to be various illicit drugs, and drug paraphernalia.

Kathy Dawn Stanton of Westville has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (four counts). She was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on September 22.

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.

Notes:

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

File # 2025-655835

Kings District RCMP seizes drugs, firearm during search warrant execution

June 26, 2025, Aylesford, Nova Scotia… Kings District RCMP has charged a man with ten offences related to drugs and firearms after executing a search warrant.

On June 20, Kings District RCMP executed a search warrant at a property on Morden Rd. in Aylesford as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. Officers safely arrested a 49-year-old man. During the search, which was led by Kings District Southwest Nova Street Crimes Enforcement Unit, officers seized a quantity of cocaine, cash, and unstamped tobacco.

Officers also located a firearm, which was found to be modified and not stored safely or properly. The firearm was also seized.

Barry Rawding of Aylesford is facing a total of ten charges under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, and the Excise Act:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Proceeds of Crime over $5000
  • Careless Storage of a Firearm
  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
  • Knowing Possession of Firearm is Unauthorized
  • Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition
  • Possession of Unstamped Tobacco (Revenue Act)
  • Possession of Unstamped Tobacco (Excise Act)
  • Possession of Tobacco Without Taxes Paid.

Rawding was released on conditions. His first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 3 at Kentville Provincial Court.

Several teams assisted with this search warrant execution, including the Kings District RCMP General Investigation Section, Kings District General Duty, Street Crimes Enforcements Units from West Hants RCMP Detachment and Shelburne RCMP Detachment, the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team and Critical Incident Command, Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

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 #: 2025-804811

Help Police Locate Two Digby Vehicles

On June 30th, 2025 the Digby RCMP received a complaint of two stolen vehicles. The vehicles were parked in the compound at Brintons Towing/ Carstar parking lot in Smiths Cove, NS. One vehicle is a White 2024 GMC Terrain bearing New Brunswick marker #KEM 453. The other vehicle is a black 2003 Ford Ranger with a black cap. At the time of the theft there was no license plate on the Ranger.

Anyone with any information about these theft can call Digby RCMP at 902 245 2579 or anonymous tips can be sent to: www.crimestoppers.ns.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477(TIPS) or by using the P3 app.

Police file: 2025-921049 refers.

Police investigate Dartmouth shooting

Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in Dartmouth last night.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the area of Lahey Road and Clarence Street in Dartmouth. There were no reported injuries.

During the investigation, officers located and seized a handgun believed to have been used during the incident. A suspect was also located and arrested nearby. 

An 18-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face charges of:

Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace

Possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition

Possession of a firearm without a license/certificate

Possession of a firearm/prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime

Possession of a firearm in a vehicle

Unauthorized possession of a firearm

Unsafe storage of a firearm

The investigation is in the early stages.

Investigators are asking anyone with information 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 by using the P3 Tips app.

Andrew Scott Barker wanted on province-wide arrest warrant

June 25, 2025, Newport Station, Nova Scotia… West Hants RCMP Detachment is seeking information on the whereabouts of a man currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant.

Andrew Scott Barker, 47, of Hants County, is wanted and charged with the following offences:

  • Unlawful Confinement
  • Assault
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Administer or Cause Drugs to be Taken
  • Uttering Threats
  • Robbery
  • Theft of Motor Vehicle

Barker is described as 5-foot-11 and 170 lbs. He has green eyes, and short brown hair and beard. He is believed to be driving a red Fiat. (Stock photo attached, not the specific vehicle.)

Police have made attempts to locate him and are requesting assistance from the public.

Barker may be armed. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Andrew Scott Barker is asked to refrain from approaching him and to call 911, or West Hants RCMP Detachment at 902-798-2207, or the police of jurisdiction in the area. 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. In an emergency, please call 911.

File #: 2025-878997

Kings RCMP seeking information to identify a person involved in sexual assault against a youth

June 9, 2025, Canning, Nova Scotia… Kings District RCMP is seeking information from the public to identify a person involved in a sexual assault against a youth victim in Canning.

On June 6, at approximately 3:40 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred on a walking trail between Northeast Kings Education Centre and the Glooscap District Arena.

Responding officers learned that approximately 10 minutes prior, a male assaulted then sexually assaulted a youth victim who was walking to the arena from the school.

A search of the area, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services, was not successful in locating the suspect.

At this time, the male, who approached the victim from behind, is believed to be a youth. He is described as white, 5-foot-5 and heavy build. At time of the incident, he was wearing a ski mask, a red shirt and winter gloves.

“I want to assure everyone in our communities that this investigation is a top priority for us. We have engaged various specialized units to assist our committed local investigators”, says S/Sgt. Ed Nugent, King District RCMP. “We encourage anyone who may have information about the incident to contact us. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.”

Kings District RCMP: 902-679-5555

Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers: toll-free, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or the P3 Tips app.

If you have experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. The elimination of gender-based and sexual violence continues to be a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and the RCMP employs a trauma-informed approach. Survivor support is available and you can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process.

File: 2025-784797

Police charge two people with drug trafficking and weapons offences

April 11, 2025, Pictou, Nova Scotia… Police have charged two people with drug trafficking and weapons offences after executing a search warrant in Pictou.

On April 3, 2025, the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) executed a search warrant at a residence on Welsford St. as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. A man and a woman were safely arrested inside the home.

Officers searched the residence and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, a firearm, a machete, mobile devices and tools, which are believed to have been stolen

Jennifer Anne Stevenson, 40, and Chad Andrew Thomson, 34, both of Pictou are each charged with:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine)
  • Careless Use of Firearm
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
  • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (2 counts)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (2 counts)

Stevenson and Thomson were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on July 7.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by PCISCEU with assistance of Pictou County District RCMP, Antigonish/Guysborough Street Crime Enforcement Unit and RCMP Police Dog Services.

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 #2025-347322

Community support leads to recovery of stolen church bell from Ballantyne’s Cove

April 10, 2025, Antigonish, Nova Scotia… Community support and engagement was vital to the recent recovery of a bell stolen from a church in Ballantyne’s Cove.

On April 1, Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of theft at a church on Hwy. 337. RCMP officers learned that a large bell was taken from the property sometime the night prior.

Information gathered led investigators to believe that items stolen from a nearby property had been used in the commission of the offence at the church.

On April 4, police learned that the missing bell was located in Pictou County. Thanks to the social media posts and the attention they received, an individual received information about where the bell could be found, leading to its safe recovery and return to the church.

The investigation is ongoing, as officers continue to follow up on leads and information provided by the public about this theft to support criminal charges.

“When property crime targets historical or cultural items, we understand that the impact can be significant on the community as a whole,” says S/Sgt. Kim Hillier, Antigonish RCMP Detachment Commander. “Thank you to all who played a part in returning this bell to where it belongs.”

If anyone has information regarding this incident or other property crime offences, they are asked to contact the Antigonish RCMP at 902-863-6500 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.

File #: 2025-420313

Yarmouth Town RCMP charge female teacher with sexual offences

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.