News release

Investigation into Lunenburg County Death

SIRT

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team is investigating an incident in Mill Cove, Lunenburg Co., where a man took his own life.

In the early evening of Monday, Nov. 12, members of the Chester RCMP responded to a call about a man who was suggesting to others that he would kill himself. On arrival, two members found a man alone in his yard with a gun. RCMP spoke to the man for about 30 minutes while protected behind their car. Other members cleared local residences for safety. A third RCMP member was then in contact with the man by phone but during that call the man shot himself, ending his life.

In accordance with the Police Act requirements, due to the presence of police at the time of the death, the RCMP referred the incident to the Serious Incident Response Team, who assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The Serious Incident Response Team is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, to call 902-424-2010.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

The Serious Incident Response Team can independently launch an investigation or begin an investigation after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public.

The Police Act requires the director to file a public report summarizing the results of the investigation within three months after it is finished.