Release:

Digby RCMP responded to a motor vehicle crash in Smiths Cove where the driver fled into a nearby cabin; officers then negotiated his safe exit after several hours.

On May 10, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Digby RCMP officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash where the car had gone over a cliff and into the water. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, got out of the car before it crashed and fled into a nearby unoccupied cabin.

Upon arriving, officers from Digby Detachment and Annapolis District RCMP attempted to make verbal contact with the man from outside the cabin; however, he didn’t respond. Over the next several hours, officers continued trying to talk with the man and negotiate his safe exit.

While officers were uncertain whether the man possessed a firearm, they were aware that weapons were present inside the cabin. To support public and officer safety, RCMP Police Dog Services and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services were deployed.

“These situations are often dynamic and continuously evolving. The RCMP approaches calls where a person may be in crisis with great care and thoughtful deliberation, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of both the public and our officers,” says S/Sgt. Grant Ryland, Detachment Commander, Digby RCMP.

After several hours, the man responded to officers’ verbal commands by making threats to use explosives to destroy the cabin. 

As officers intensified their efforts to communicate with him, they heard the man approach one of the cabin’s doors. He then exited the cabin without incident and was safely arrested.

Negotiations lasted approximately four hours. The man was not armed at the time of his arrest. During a subsequent search of the cabin, officers located several knives.

May 4–10 marked Mental Health Week in Canada, a reminder of the importance of compassion, awareness and supports for those in distress.