On May 11, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a member of the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Traffic Services Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a 59-year-old Meadowvale man.

During the traffic stop, which took place on Main St. in Bible Hill, the officer learned the driver of the vehicle had a revoked license. As a result, the motorist was told his SUV would be towed. Upon hearing this, the driver sped away.

A short time later, the suspect’s vehicle was spotted by another RCMP officer along Highway 289 in Brookfield. A second traffic stop was initiated.

When the officer approached the vehicle, he told the driver he was under arrest. As the officer attempted to remove the driver from the SUV, the driver again fled.

After a brief pursuit, officers attended the driver’s residence on Meadowvale Rd. As they approached the home, the man met them in the driveway carrying a steel pipe in a threatening manner.

A conducted energy weapon was successfully deployed and the man went to the ground however, he continued to be violent. Officers were able to successfully handcuff the man after a struggle on the ground.

Leon MacKenzie is facing a number of charges, including:

• Aggravated Assault of a Peace Officer;
• Assaulting a Peace Officer with Weapon;
• Flight from a Peace Officer;
• Dangerous Operation (2 counts);
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

MacKenzie suffered minor injuries during the arrest and transported to hospital by police; he was assessed and later released into custody. He appeared in Truro Provincial Court on May 12 and was released on conditions, by the court. MacKenzie will return to court on June 14, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

During the arrest, an officer suffered moderate injuries and was transported to hospital by ambulance. The officer was later released from hospital.

Source: Release