The province's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has concluded that no charges should be laid against a Halifax Regional Police officer who pursued a motor vehicle last November.
At 4:02 a.m. on Nov. 9, the officer, who had received reports of break-ins, turned his vehicle to observe an SUV driven by a youth. As he watched the vehicle, it went through a red light and sped away on the St. Margaret's Bay Road. The officer pursued the vehicle as it turned onto Highways 103 and 102, respectively. The vehicle lost control and flipped onto its roof as it attempted to exit onto North West Arm Drive at a very high speed. The driver suffered serious head injuries, but recovered after surgery and has been sentenced for theft of this vehicle and fleeing the police.
SIRT has concluded that the officer acted appropriately in this instance. Although his speed was at times in excess of speed limits, the road was clear and driving conditions were very good. The full report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca .
SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.
