On November 8 at 5:15 p.m., East Hants District RCMP responded to a call of theft from a sporting goods store. Staff at the store noticed a rifle was missing on November 6, they checked their inventory, then reported the theft to police on November 8.

The firearm that was stolen is a “Czech Small Arms VZ58 Sportster” rifle, which is a restricted firearm. It has a 5-round magazine. The theft occurred while the store was open and witnesses provided police with descriptions of two suspects.

East Hants District RCMP has arrested two men for this incident. Darren Hersh Blumenthal, 50, of Halifax and Todd Ellis, 46, of Lower Sackville, have both been charged with the theft, and in addition, seven additional firearms-related charges. Blumenthal is also charged with three counts of Breach of Probation.

Both men were arrested on November 15. They were held in custody and were remanded until November 19 when they were released. Both are scheduled to return to court on December 17.

The investigation is ongoing.

.

Source : Media Release