Pictou County RCMP report for December

During December, the RCMP responded to a total of 352 occurrences. During the month, RCMP also issued 28 violation tickets, 32 written warnings and were involved in nine community policing activities. Investigations of note include the following:

THEFT FROM TRAILER

On Dec. 2, RCMP responded to a complaint of a theft from a locked utility trailer parked near Highway 104 in Kenzieville. Stolen from the trailer was a substantial quantity of tools, including a large welder, a generator and several power tools. Thefts such as this, including break and enters to rural properties, have continued to occur over the past several months and police are asking anyone with any information about these thefts or the location of any stolen property to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

IMPAIRED MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION

On Dec. 5, RCMP responded to a complaint of a vehicle in the ditch on River John Road in Scotch Hill. Investigation at the scene resulted in the seizure of an improperly stored firearm from the vehicle. The 37-year-old male driver from River John was impaired by alcohol and was arrested. During his arrest, ammunition for the firearm was seized from his pocket. He faces charges of Impaired operation of a conveyance, operation of a conveyance with a blood alcohol percentage over .08, careless transportation of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm. He will appear in Pictou court on Jan. 27.

FRAUD

On Dec. 9, RCMP responded to a complaint of a fraud. A Pictou County resident was asked via email to send $1,500 to “The Canada Department of Cybercrime” to allegedly assist them in catching identity thieves. The resident sent the $1,500 via Money Gram and was defrauded by the sender of the email. This was clearly a fraudulent request and police would like to remind everyone to be wary of sending money to anyone unless you can verify the request is legitimate.

ESCAPE LAWFUL CUSTODY

On Dec. 17, Pictou District RCMP was requested to assist Antigonish RCMP, following the theft of an unmarked police vehicle from Antigonish.

A 22-year-old male and a 22-year-old female, both from Grande Prairie, Alta., had been in custody in the back seat of the vehicle and the male had managed to crawl into the front seat and take the vehicle. Pictou RCMP located the vehicle travelling westbound at a high speed on Highway 104 near Exit 20 and noted that the vehicle turned into oncoming traffic on Highway 104. Due to the risk to the public, the vehicle was forced off the highway. Both subjects face additional charges of flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and escape lawful custody. They were held in custody and next appear in Antigonish Court on Jan. 8.

EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED PERSON WITH A FIREARM

On Dec. 17, RCMP responded to a complaint of an 81-yearold Pictou County man who was suspected of contemplating suicide and was in possession of a rifle. Police attended the residence and spoke with the man, resulting in the firearm safely being seized. The man was taken to hospital for examination. No charges are being pursued regarding this incident.

OBSTRUCTION

On Dec. 20, RCMP responded to a complaint of a suspicious male who had arrived at the complainants front door on the Stellarton Trafalgar Road, in Hopewell. Investigation at the scene resulted in the 25-year-old New Glasgow male providing police with a false name. He was identified and it was determined that an outstanding arrest warrant for the man was in effect. He was arrested and faces an additional charge of obstruction. He will next appear in Pictou court on Feb. 24.

BREAK AND ENTER

On Dec. 23, RCMP responded to a break and enter to a cottage in Lorne near Glengarry Station. Stolen from the cottage were several pellet guns, a 30-30 Winchester rifle, a black bearskin rug, and a stuffed taxidermy black bear, bobcat and mink. Police are asking the public to contact police or Crime Stoppers if they have any information about the persons responsible for this break and enter, or the location of this property.

IMPAIRED COLLISION

On Dec. 27, RCMP responded to a complaint of a motor vehicle collision near River John. The vehicle had fled the location of the collision but was later located by police on River John Road in Hedgeville. The 21-year-old male driver from New Glasgow was impaired by alcohol and was arrested. He faces charges of impaired operation of a conveyance, operation of a conveyance with a blood alcohol percentage over .08 and fail to comply with probation order. He will appear in Pictou court on March 2.