Quinpool Road Shooting: Officer Discharges Weapon – Halifax News

Halifax, Nova Scotia – November 21, 2023 – A 37-year-old man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after an officer fired his service weapon this evening following an altercation with police. The incident unfolded across two locations and involved the suspect allegedly using a sensory irritant against staff.

Robbery Attempts Lead to Police Shooting on Quinpool Road

A man is hospitalized after a confrontation with officers following two reported robberies and an assault on police with a knife.

• Police responded to two separate robbery calls at NSLC locations.
• The suspect deployed a sensory irritant at both stores.
• An officer shot the suspect after he threatened police with a knife.
• Quinpool Road is closed between Vernon Street and Monastery Lane as the investigation continues.

Officers were first called to the NSLC at 1616 Grafton Street at approximately 4:10 p.m. for a reported robbery in progress. Staff told police the suspect discharged a sensory irritant as he left the store. Roughly 40 minutes later, at approximately 4:50 p.m., officers responded to a second robbery at the NSLC located at 6169 Quinpool Road, where staff again reported being sprayed with a sensory irritant as the suspect fled.

Did you know? – Sensory irritants, like pepper spray, cause temporary inflammation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Their use in robberies is increasingly common.

Police located the suspect on Quinpool Road. As officers attempted to make an arrest,the suspect allegedly brandished a large knife and threatened them.Officers issued verbal commands for the suspect to drop the weapon. after a taser deployment proved ineffective, a second officer discharged their service weapon, striking the suspect.

The suspect was immediately transported to hospital with injuries described as life-threatening.

Quinpool Road, between Vernon Street and Monastery Lane, remains closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic as investigators process the scene. The Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) will be leading the investigation into the incident. All further inquiries should be directed to SIRT.

Pro tip – When police close roads for investigations, it’s best to avoid the area. Detours are often in place,but traffic congestion is likely.

What happens when police use force in Nova Scotia? The Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is an autonomous body responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Reader question – What role do you think independent oversight bodies like SIRT play in maintaining public trust in law enforcement?