SiRT release:
The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) found no reasonable grounds to believe a member of the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) committed a criminal offence in connection to the death of an adult male in Bedford, Nova Scotia.
On the night of February 28, 2025, multiple HRP members responded to 911 calls regarding an adult male who was reported as being high on cocaine and acting out of control. Officers called for EHS on the way to the call, as they were familiar with the adult male and anticipated the need for medical assistance to subdue him.
Officers located the male near West Bedford School, shoeless and only wearing shorts. They attempted to speak with the male but he did not respond. The male clenched his fists and moved towards one of the officers. This officer deployed her Conducted Energy Device (Taser). It did not make full contact with the male and was not effective. The male then moved aggressively towards the officer and another officer pulled her out of the way. At this time a third officer approached the male from behind and attempted to place him in a neck hold. Both the officer and male slipped on ice and fell to the ground. The male showed great strength and continued to resist. It took seven officers to gain control and restrain him. Shortly after being cuffed on the wrists and ankles the male stopped breathing. Officers performed lifesaving measures and additional calls for EHS were made. Firefighters arrived and administered care until EHS arrived. The male was transported to hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.
The Director’s detailed summary report is available online: SiRT Concludes Investigation into Death in Bedford, Nova Scotia | Serious Incident Response Team .
SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of a public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer, on or off duty, in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation. To learn more, visit: www.sirtnsnb.ca .
