RCMP release:

Pictou County District RCMP is investigating a weapons incident where a man was arrested after the RCMP received reports of a man wielding an axe and firearm in Westville.

On August 27, at approximately 5:10 p.m., Pictou County District RCMP received reports of an armed man outside a residence on Munroe Ave. Officers responded immediately and located a man, holding an axe in one hand and a firearm in the other, on Westville Rd. The 65-year-old Westville man pointed the firearm at one of the responding officers before being safely arrested. Officers then quickly identified that the firearm was a BB gun.

The investigation indicates that the man pointed the BB gun at passing motorists; no injuries have been reported.

As a precaution, the Pictou County Wellness Centre was locked down for a short period during the incident.

As part of the investigation, officers searched the man’s home and seized an unsecured rifle.

Glen Oakes is facing multiple firearms and weapons charges, including Pointing a Firearm (three counts), Careless Use of Firearm, Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon.

Oakes had a first court appearance on August 28 and remains in custody.

Officers have spoken with a number of witnesses and victims, and believe there are other members of the public at whom Oakes pointed a firearm. The investigation is ongoing and officers are requesting that anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has video footage of it and hasn’t yet spoken with police, to contact the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. 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.