**** RCMP Media Release
RCMP arrests driver for dangerous operation and flight from police, refers matter to SiRT
RCMP Northeast Traffic Services – Antigonish is investigating a two-vehicle collision resulting in serious injuries that occurred in Pictou.
On March 30, just after 2 p.m., a member of RCMP Northeast Traffic Services – Antigonish attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a black Hyundai Elantra on Albert St., in Pictou, for suspected impaired driving. The Elantra did not stop and continued on through several streets. The traffic services officer followed the Elantra at a distance and observed the driver fail to stop at multiple stop signs.
The Elantra then picked up speed and began passing vehicles while on Church St. At this point, in consideration of public safety, the traffic services member slowed and increased the distance between him and the Elantra.
Moments later, the Elantra collided with a Hyundai Santa Fe at the intersection of Church St. and West River Rd. RCMP Northeast Traffic Services – Antigonish members, Pictou County District RCMP and EHS responded to the collision.
The driver and sole occupant of the Santa Fe, a 55-year-old woman of Pictou, suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS.
The driver and sole occupant of the Elantra, a 21-year-old woman of Pictou, was transported to hospital by EHS with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Elantra was arrested for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm and flight from police.
A collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the intersection of Church St. and West River Rd. was closed for several hours.
At this time, information and evidence gathered at the scene indicates that alcohol may have been a factor.
The collision has been referred to the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT). SiRT independently investigates all serious incidents which arise from the actions of police in Nova Scotia. There does not have to be an allegation of wrongdoing.
Given the matter is now being investigated by SiRT, the RCMP will respectfully refrain from discussing further details.
**** SiRT Release
SiRT Investigating Collision Resulting in Serious Injuries
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the circumstances surrounding a collision in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
Preliminary information suggests the following:
- In the afternoon of March 30, 2024, the RCMP attempted to make a traffic stop.
- The female driver of the vehicle fled and collided with another vehicle.
- The driver of the impacted vehicle was transported to hospital by EHS and was diagnosed with serious injuries.
As a result of the serious injuries, in accordance with the Police Act, the RCMP contacted the SiRT who have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
The SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia or 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.
