Police deploy spike belt during pursuit of stolen truck

RCMP release:


Cumberland County District RCMP deployed a spike belt in order to arrest a man for outstanding warrants and multiple new offences.

On November 28, Cumberland County District RCMP responded to a report of an assault at a residence on Medawell St. in Oxford. The subject, Chris Mattinson, had left the home. Officers attended the area in an attempt to locate the vehicle he was driving, and were aware that he had outstanding warrants related to firearms offences.

RCMP officers located the vehicle driven by Mattinson in the Wentworth area, on Hwy. 246. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled.

Investigators deployed a spike belt on Lake Rd., which deflated three of the tires on the vehicle. The driver continued to flee from police, but stopped shortly after when the vehicle hit a guardrail at low speed.

At the traffic stop, Mattinson resisted arrest briefly but was placed in custody by officers on scene. Officers found that the truck Mattinson was driving and the license plate attached were both previously reported stolen. Three passengers in the vehicle were also arrested.

On November 29, Christopher Mattinson, 33, had a court appearance at Amherst Provincial Court related to the previous charges on the warrant and the following 18 new charges:

  • Assault
  • Utter Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm (4 counts)
  • Mischief
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Assault a Peace Officer
  • Flight from Peace Officer
  • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (2 counts)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
  • Possess Firearm While Prohibited
  • Possession of Break-In Instruments
  • Theft Under $5000
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order (2 counts)

The three passengers were released without charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Officers from Cumberland County District RCMP General Duty, Cumberland Street Crimes Enforcement Unit, and Nova Scotia RCMP Police Dog Services were involved in this investigation and arrest.

Note: The Cumberland Street Crime Enforcement Unit includes members of the Cumberland County District RCMP and the Amherst Police Department.

Missing: 16-year-old Danielle Bartlett