RCMP Charge Driver After Fleeing Traffic Stop Near Maryvale, N.S.
Community Safety Alert – Antigonish County, Nova Scotia
On the night of May 11, 2026, officers from Antigonish County District RCMP laid charges against a man who allegedly fled a traffic stop on Highway 245 near Maryvale, Nova Scotia. The incident began when officers encountered a truck driving without functioning taillights during proactive patrols.
When police attempted to stop the vehicle around 9:00 p.m., the driver reportedly accelerated away instead of pulling over. In order to protect other road users and nearby communities, officers chose not to engage in a high-speed pursuit. The truck was later discovered abandoned nearby, leading to the arrest of a man and woman following a search of the area.
Official RCMP Incident Details
According to the official information from Antigonish County District RCMP, officers were conducting traffic enforcement along Hwy. 245 near Maryvale when they encountered a truck with no taillights illuminated. A patrol officer initiated a traffic stop, but the driver did not comply and instead sped away from police.
To minimize risk to the public, officers did not pursue the truck. Shortly afterward, the same vehicle was found abandoned in a parking lot on Old Maryvale Rd. Officers searched the surrounding area, engaged with residents, and continued their investigation. During this process, they heard movement in a nearby wooded area and called out for anyone present to come forward. A man and a woman emerged from the woods and were taken into custody without further incident.
The driver was identified as David Pellerine, 31, of Stellarton, Nova Scotia. RCMP report that he is facing a criminal charge related to fleeing from police and has also received multiple tickets under provincial traffic legislation.
- Accused: David Pellerine, 31, of Stellarton, N.S.
- Primary criminal charge: Flight from Police
- Additional penalties: Several summary offence tickets issued under the Motor Vehicle Act (specific offences not detailed in the RCMP release)
- Status of accused: Released on conditions; scheduled to appear in court at a later date
- Second individual: Adult woman; arrested at the scene and released without charge
- RCMP file number: 2026-629433
RCMP have not indicated any ongoing risk to the public related to this specific incident, and no injuries were reported in the information released.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights the serious safety risks that arise when a driver refuses to stop for police and attempts to evade a lawful traffic check. Fleeing from officers can quickly endanger pedestrians, other motorists, and nearby communities in areas like Antigonish County. Proactive decisions by police not to continue pursuits are often made specifically to reduce the chance of collisions or injuries.
Residents in and around rural communities such as those near Maryvale and the broader Antigonish area can help support safer roads by promptly reporting hazardous driving, vehicles being operated without proper lighting, or suspicious behaviour around abandoned vehicles. For a broader view of local crime and safety patterns, community members can review Antigonish crime statistics and safety data, which provide context on policing trends and risk levels in the region. Staying informed, cooperating with lawful traffic stops, and avoiding impaired or reckless driving all play a critical role in preventing incidents from escalating into dangerous pursuits.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.