Inverness County District RCMP investigating two suspected arsons, requesting public assistance
Inverness County District RCMP is investigating two suspected arsons, which are believed to be related, and is requesting information from the public to support the investigations.
On July 2, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Inverness County District RCMP and fire services were dispatched to a structure fire in the 1200 block of Cenotaph Rd. in West Bay Centre. Upon arrival, the home was fully engulfed in flames and sustained significant damage before the fire was extinguished. The sole occupant of the home was able to exit without injury.
On July 14, at approximately 12 p.m., Inverness County District RCMP learned of a potential arson that had occurred earlier that morning in Malagawatch. An abandoned home in the 8300 block of Marble Mountain Rd. had been destroyed by fire before fire services could extinguish the flames.
Both fires have been deemed suspicious and the investigations are ongoing.
Investigators are requesting information from the public related to a red sedan, driven by a man, near the home in West Bay Centre at the time of the July 2 fire. They’re also looking to speak with anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the areas or who may have information related to the fires.
“We’re exploring the possibility the fires were acts of vigilantism and cautioning the public that these acts are being investigated fully and have serious consequences,” says Sgt. Lance Wood, Inverness County District RCMP.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
-Kings District RCMP investigating following protest in Wolfville
Kings District RCMP is investigating crimes against persons and property following a protest in Wolfville.
On July 15, Kings District RCMP responded to a report of concerns for safety at Acadia University as protesters blocked the Nova Scotia premier from leaving campus after a speaking engagement.
When the premier and staff were inside their vehicle, an individual climbed onto it and the windshield was smashed. During the incident, protesters surrounded the vehicle, preventing it from leaving the venue.
Additional RCMP officers arrived to provide support and the premier was led back inside a nearby building and escorted away from the venue.
No injuries were reported.
One man was safely arrested, transported to the New Minas Detachment and later released without charges. The arrest was related to an incident that occurred during the protest. The individual arrested is not believed to have been involved in the damage to the premier's vehicle or in preventing that vehicle from leaving the area.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Kings District RCMP is seeking to establish the identities of a number of individuals believed to have been involved in impeding the departure of the vehicle occupied by the premier and staff, as well as those responsible for damaging the vehicle.
Individuals have a protected right to lawfully, peacefully, and safely assemble. Those who unlawfully interfere with or threaten the safety of any person or property will be held accountable. Acts of violence will not be tolerated and will be investigated fully by police.
The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Kings District RCMP General Investigation Section.
Anyone with information about the incidents or video footage is asked to contact Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
