The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that a man, Stephen Joseph “Dakota” Maloney, wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant, was taken into custody on Thursday. This incident resulted in the temporary closure of a section of Highway 102.

On the morning of Thursday, the RCMP officers noticed a vehicle in Truro associated with Maloney, who was wanted for multiple offenses, including intimate partner violence and firearms-related charges. Upon spotting the vehicle, police attempted to initiate a stop, but the driver, identified as Maloney, fled the scene.

In an effort to evade capture, Maloney led officers on a reckless pursuit, which continued even as his vehicle sustained damage from a spike belt deployed by the police on Highway 215 in East Hants. Despite the damage, Maloney's attempts to escape persisted, ultimately bringing him to Highway 102, where he drove against traffic.

In response to the dangerous situation unfolding on the highways, the RCMP mobilized emergency response teams. Between exits 11 and 12 of Highway 102, these teams successfully intercepted the suspect's vehicle, bringing the pursuit to an end and ensuring the safety of other drivers on the road.

During the apprehension, the police identified a passenger in the vehicle as a victim of Maloney's alleged crimes. The passenger was subsequently released from custody following the conclusion of the incident. Superintendent Sean Auld, Officer in Charge of Support Services at the RCMP, acknowledged the unsettling nature of the situation for those who witnessed the events unfold on Highway 102. He emphasized the officers' continuous evaluation of the scenario from a public safety perspective, stating that their collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) played a critical role in the successful and safe apprehension of Maloney.

Following his arrest, Maloney is now facing several charges that include flight from police and forcible confinement. He is currently being held in custody and is awaiting a future appearance in court to address these charges.