RCMP release:
Cumberland County District RCMP has charged a man with multiple offences following assault and dangerous driving incidents in Springhill.
On August 29, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a Cumberland County District RCMP officer responded to a report that a man had assaulted a woman on Church St. and stole her car, a blue Honda Civic. The man then drove away at a high rate of speed.
While the officer attended the scene and was speaking with the victim and a witness, he heard several additional 911 calls being dispatched:
A woman walking along McFarlane St. was approached by a man who pulled her purse off her shoulder and smashed her mobile phone before running away on foot. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
A man driving a Honda Civic was striking vehicles on Elm St., causing extensive damage. The Honda Civic then left the roadway and entered the ditch near a home. The male driver fled on foot, damaged items outside the home, smashed a window of the house, and ran toward the homeowner who was outside before leaving the property. No injuries were reported to police.
A vehicle had struck a house on the corner of Church St. and Bells St., damaging its front porch. No injuries were reported to police.
The officer responding to the assault and stolen vehicle proceeded to head south on Church St., during which time multiple witnesses indicated to the officer that the suspect was in the 100 block. The officer located the man and safely arrested him at approximately 11:35 a.m.
During this response, further 911 calls were received detailing incidents that had occurred prior to the man’s arrest:
A woman walking on Crossin St. was struck by a Honda Civic. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries. File #2025-1272254
Windows of a home on Church St. were smashed and a vehicle in the driveway was damaged by an individual on foot. No injuries were reported to police. File #2025-1272553
All of the incidents are believed to be related.
“There were a number of incidents in a short amount of time to which our officers were dispatched immediately. The incidents were understandably very concerning to residents,” says Sgt. Jarret MacDonald, Cumberland County District RCMP. “Through the actions of the first responding officer, with the support of witnesses, the suspect was taken into custody safely and quickly.”
Wayne Joseph Robert Bourgeois, 39, of Springhill, has been charged with:
Operation of a Conveyance (motor vehicle) While Impaired by Drug
Dangerous Operation (two counts)
Robbery (two counts)
Assault with a Weapon (two counts)
Mischief (over $5,000) (five counts)
Bourgeois remains in custody and will appear in Amherst Provincial Court on September 2.
Additional charges are anticipated. Officers have so far interviewed several witnesses and are encouraging anyone who has not yet spoken with police to contact the Cumberland County District RCMP at 902-597-3779. To remain anonymous, contact 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.
