The Richmond/Inverness RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged a man in investigations relating to shots being fired into a vehicle in We’koqma’q First Nation and a break-in to a hardware store in Whycocomagh.
On January 25, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Inverness County District RCMP responded to a report of a gun shots being fired in the area of Dooley’s Ln. in We’koqma’q First Nation. A second call was received a few minutes later indicating that a vehicle, which had been travelling through We’koqma’q First Nation on Hwy. 105, had been struck by a bullet. The vehicle was occupied at the time; however, no injuries were reported. The vehicle that was struck is not believed to have been targeted.
At approximately 7:45 a.m., Inverness County District RCMP responded to a report of a break-in to a local hardware store on Hwy. 105 in Whycocomagh that had occurred overnight. RCMP officers learned that ammunition had been taken from the store.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., RCMP officers located and safely arrested an 18-year-old Whycocomagh man. The man was held in custody overnight. RCMP officers also recovered the firearm that was involved in this incident. The RCMP is not seeking anyone else in connection with these investigations.
Coly Paul, 18, of Whycocomagh has been charged with:
- Reckless Discharge of a Firearm;
- Break and Enter and Commit;
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose;
- Careless Use of a Firearm;
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm;
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized;
- Using a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence
Paul will appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court later today.
The investigation was led by Richmond/Inverness RCMP SCEU with assistance from Inverness County District RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the We’koqma’q Chief and Council.
Source: Release
