Two youths have been charged in the attempted murder of an RCMP officer after an incident in North River, Colchester County, on September 10, 2023.
On September 10, 2023, at approximately 3:20 a.m., a uniformed RCMP officer, who had just finished his shift and was on his way home, stopped and exited his vehicle when he observed a suspicious school bus parked on Hwy. 311 in North River. The officer noted that a dark coloured sedan had been parked in front of the school bus and a male was standing outside of the car speaking to someone in the driver's seat. The vehicle then pulled away and the male then entered the school bus.
The officer identified himself and began asking questions about the bus. The male refused to identify himself and fled on foot. The officer chased after the male when he was intentionally struck by the dark coloured sedan. The male who had fled on foot got into the dark coloured sedan, which turned around and made a two more attempts to strike the officer. The officer was able to take cover behind the bus and the sedan then fled the area. Numerous RCMP officers and the Truro Police Service responded to the area to try and locate the sedan, however it was not located.
The officer suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital by ambulance. He has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.
As the investigation unfolded, two suspects were identified and the bus was determined to have been stolen in Sackville, New Brunswick. Investigators also determined that the two suspects had broken into a store on Hwy. 311 in North River, prior to the attempted murder of the officer. During the break-in the suspects stole energy drinks.
On September 13, the Miramichi Police Force safely arrested a 15-year-old male youth at a train station in Miramichi. The male youth was transported back to Nova Scotia and turned over to Colchester County District RCMP where he was held in custody.
On September 14, members of the Colchester County District RCMP, assisted by members of the Cumberland County District RCMP, Halifax District RCMP, HRP/RCMP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division General Investigation Section, RCMP Police Dog Services, and RCMP Federal Support Services, safely arrested a 17-year-old male youth in Halifax. The male youth was held in custody.
Both youths are charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, Assault on a Peace Officer with a Weapon, Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance Causing Bodily Harm, Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm, Flight from Police, Break and Enter with Intent and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Both youths will appear in Truro Provincial Court later today.
RCMP Digital Forensic Services provided significant assistance to this investigation.
Colchester County District RCMP would like to thank the Miramichi Police Force, the Truro Police Service and members of the public who came forward with information to help the investigation.
File #: 2023-1345475