HALIFAX – The police oversight agency in Nova Scotia is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man following an altercation with law enforcement officers on the night of February 28, 2025. The incident occurred in Bedford, Nova Scotia, shortly after 10:20 p.m., when Halifax Regional Police responded to a call regarding the man experiencing a mental health episode.
According to a statement released by the Halifax Regional Police, the situation escalated, leading officers to use a Taser on the individual after he allegedly became aggressive. However, the police did not provide specific details regarding the number of officers involved in the incident or how many deployed their Tasers during the altercation.
After the Taser was used, the officers handcuffed the man and promptly called emergency health services for further assistance. Unfortunately, the man’s condition deteriorated significantly while authorities were on the scene. In an attempt to save his life, the police administered Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.
The Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) of Nova Scotia has taken over the investigation, as is mandatory for incidents involving police that may result in death or serious injury. This team’s responsibility includes reviewing cases of serious injuries, deaths, sexual assaults, and intimate partner violence involving law enforcement in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
As the investigation unfolds, the SIRT is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the circumstances that led to the unfortunate death, focusing on police procedures, the use of force, the man’s mental health status during the incident, and the response of emergency medical services.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of individuals with mental health issues during police encounters and raises important questions about the protocols followed by law enforcement in such situations. The use of Tasers and other forms of force has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations who may be experiencing a crisis.
The investigation is likely to draw attention from the public and advocacy groups, pushing for accountability and systemic changes to how police engage with those in mental distress. As this case proceeds, stakeholders will be looking for transparency in the findings and any recommendations that might arise to improve police response and training related to mental health crises.
The public awaits updates from the Serious Incident Response Team as they work to gather evidence and provide insights into what transpired during the tragic event in Bedford. The findings will be crucial in ensuring that similar incidents are addressed adequately in the future.
