Police watchdog probing man’s death after driver flees N.S. traffic stop

Nova Scotia's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating the death of a 19-year-old man who allegedly fled from an RCMP traffic stop. The incident occurred on July 18 in Havre Boucher, Antigonish County.

According to an RCMP release, an officer on patrol for impaired driving attempted to pull over a vehicle around 11:20 p.m. The driver fled the scene, prompting the officer to disengage emergency lights and cease pursuit in the interest of public safety.

SIRT's preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle went off the road and crashed into a ditch while fleeing police. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency Health Services were en route, and the officer provided first aid while awaiting their arrival.

SIRT is appealing to the public for any information related to the incident. Those with details can contact SIRT at (902) 943-2337 or via email at sirt.tips@novascotia.ca.

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When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled. In the interest of public safety, the officer disengaged the emergency lights and did not pursue the vehicle