At 4:05 a.m., a member of Kings District RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Hwy. 101 on the Exit 15 on-ramp. The vehicle was headed west and was stopped for a Motor Vehicle Act offence.

There was an interaction between the driver and the police officer, involving the discharge of a firearm. The driver then fled into a nearby wooded area. The police officer was not hurt and immediately called for back up. A 20-year-old male passenger remained inside the vehicle, and he was immediately arrested without incident and held in custody.

The Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) was called, in addition to RCMP Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services. Police shut down the highway between Exits 15 and 16 and contained the area. The 26-year-old driver was located by police and arrested. During the arrest, police noted the suspect had a non-life-threatening injury. He was transported to hospital for treatment. Pending medical treatment, the suspect will be held in custody for a court appearance in Kentville Provincial Court.

Investigators will be on scene today collecting evidence. The investigation is being led by the RCMP Southwest Nova Major Crimes Unit, with assistance provided by the RCMP Forensic Identification Section. Highway 101 between Exits 15 and 16 is expected to remain closed for most of the day. Traffic is being detoured.

The investigation is ongoing. Kings District RCMP have referred the matter the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT). The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) independently investigates all serious incidents which arise from the actions of police in Nova Scotia. There does not have to be an allegation of wrongdoing.