RCMP charges four after damage to police vehicles in Nova Scotia
Community Safety Alert for Nova Scotia
On April 2, 2026, officers with Northeast Nova RCMP executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis storefront in the 12000 block of Hwy. 4 in Nova Scotia. During the operation, two people were arrested and cannabis products were seized. Shortly after, a group of protesters gathered in the area and blocked the roadway, prompting officers to secure their vehicles by removing service weapons and leaving the location on foot in the interest of public safety.
By April 3, 2026, RCMP vehicles that had been removed from the storefront area and later recovered in Potlotek were found to be damaged, and three sets of RCMP hard body armour were missing. Following a broader investigation that included multiple search warrants and the seizure of non-RCMP firearms, four men from Membertou, Potlotek, and River Bourgeois have been charged in connection with damage to the police vehicles and related mischief offences. All four have been released under conditions and are set to appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on June 11, 2026.
Official RCMP Incident Details
According to the official release from Nova Scotia RCMP, the incident began when investigators executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis storefront on the morning of April 2, 2026 on Hwy. 4. The warrant led to the arrest of two individuals at the storefront and the seizure of cannabis products. As a protest group formed and blocked the roadway, officers made the decision to leave police vehicles in the area after first securing them by removing service weapons.
On April 3, 2026, RCMP located the previously abandoned vehicles in Potlotek. The vehicles had been damaged, and it was confirmed that three sets of RCMP-issued hard body armour were missing from inside. These protective vests have not yet been recovered and are still considered outstanding property.
As part of the ongoing investigation, RCMP officers executed four additional search warrants aimed at obtaining video evidence and recovering items believed to be related to the incident, including a floor jack and other property. During these searches, officers also seized a loaded SKS rifle with a high‑capacity magazine and a shotgun from a residence. Investigators have stated that these firearms are not RCMP-issued weapons.
Charges Laid
Four men are now facing criminal charges in relation to the damage to the police vehicles and associated activity:
- Jonathan Lindsay Paul, 46, of Membertou:
- Six counts of Mischief Over $5,000
- Twenty-four counts of Mischief
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Maurice Ellery Francis, 33, of Potlotek:
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Evan Michael Johnson, 30, of Potlotek:
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Shamus Daniel Stone, 19, of River Bourgeois:
- Mischief Under $5,000
RCMP report that all four accused have been released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on June 11, 2026. The investigation remains active, particularly concerning the still-missing sets of RCMP hard body armour.
Missing RCMP Protective Gear & Call for Information
The three sets of RCMP hard body armour taken from the damaged vehicles have not yet been located. These vests are specialized protective equipment and should not be in public circulation. Anyone who finds or is offered such gear, or who has any information about its whereabouts, is urged to contact police immediately and not attempt to handle the equipment unnecessarily.
RCMP File Number: 2026-429697
How to provide information to police:
- Contact Richmond County District RCMP directly at 902-258-2213
- To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip via the Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers website, or use the P3 Tips app
Community reporting plays a key role in investigations like this across Canada. For example, in other regions with detailed safety monitoring, such as communities tracked on our Lytton 4A crime statistics and safety data page, public tips and vigilance have been shown to support successful resolutions and recovery of missing property.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident is a reminder that interference with police vehicles and the theft of specialized law enforcement equipment can carry serious consequences for community safety. Damaged police vehicles and missing protective gear can hinder emergency responses, complicate crowd management, and increase risks for both officers and the public, particularly in tense situations such as protests or enforcement actions at illegal businesses.
Residents in Nova Scotia are encouraged to stay alert to unusual activity around official vehicles, marked or unmarked, and to promptly report any suspicious attempts to access police gear or weapons. If you come across items that appear to be tactical vests, body armour, or other law enforcement equipment, do not attempt to use or sell them—contact local police or Crime Stoppers immediately. Consistent community reporting, combined with evidence-based awareness supported by safety data from communities across Canada, helps prevent stolen equipment from being misused and contributes to a safer environment for everyone.
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.