RCMP release:

Victoria County District RCMP has charged a man with twenty offences and seized a firearm after a break and enter.

On November 11, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a home in Wagmatcook. One of the two suspects was reported to have a firearm. General duty officers as well as RCMP Police Dog Services and Emergency Response Team members attended.

Upon arrival at the residence, officers located a man with a firearm as he attempted to conceal himself outside of the home. He was safely arrested and the firearm was seized. The other person fled the scene before police arrived.

Desmond Bernard, 29, of Wagmatcook, is charged with twenty offences including Break and Enter with Intent, Using Firearm in the Commission of an Offence, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and five counts of Breach of Probation. At the time of his arrest, Bernard was found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine, which also led to a charge of Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Bernard had a first appearance at Wagmatcook Provincial Court on November 12, and was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on November 21.

Bernard is known to the residents of the home; this was not a random incident.

Police have identified the second suspect involved in this break and enter. The file is still under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident 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