SiRT Concludes Investigation into Police Involved Shooting in Halifax

The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) found no reasonable grounds to believe a member of Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Emergency Response Team (ERT) committed a criminal offence when he discharged a firearm while responding to a call in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

On the evening of July 9, 2025, HRP responded to a 911 call from an adult male who said he barricaded himself in his residence. When officers arrived at the house, they attempted to speak with the male. They learned his adult daughter who was vulnerable and nonverbal was also inside the house. Officers were concerned for the male's mental health and had grounds to arrest him for public mischief. He refused to leave the house, made threats toward the officers, was acting volatile, and could be heard drilling barricades in the residence. Officers also believed they heard the male racking a firearm. HRP officers remained on scene overnight trying to get the male to exit the residence. Early the next morning a warrant was granted by the court granting officers authority to enter the residence to arrest the male. When members of HRP's Emergency Response Team attempted to make contact with the male, the male fired a flare gun in the direction of officers. He then pointed what appeared to be a firearm at officers, and a member of ERT discharged his firearm striking the male. Emergency Heath Services (EHS) attended and treated the male for gunshot wounds.

On the morning of July 10, 2025 HRP contacted SiRT, and an investigation was started immediately.

The Director's report is available online: SiRT Concludes Investigation into Police Involved Shooting in Halifax | Serious Incident Response Team .

SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of a public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.

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Media Contact:

Khalehla Perrault, Manager of Communications & Special Projects