On October 11, 2023, Halifax Regional Police took significant action against a 25-year-old woman named Hanna Cole, laying several charges in connection with a serious hit-and-run incident. This situation arose as police attempted to halt a vehicle, leading to a crash that resulted in critical injuries to a man.
After the crash, which severely injured a 58-year-old man driving another vehicle, officers managed to locate and arrest Cole. The charges she is now facing include:
- Operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm
- Failure to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm
- Operation of a conveyance while prohibited (x2)
- Flight from a peace officer
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Breach of release order - Breach of probation order
Cole made her first appearance in a provincial court on Tuesday, where the details of the charges were likely discussed. The incident is under additional scrutiny as it is being investigated by Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT). This involvement is primarily due to the fact that the vehicle Cole was driving was fleeing from regional police, culminating in the collision that landed a civilian in the hospital.
According to police reports, the events leading up to the crash unfolded when officers noticed a pickup truck without a license plate leaving a parking lot located off Yorkshire Avenue Extension in Dartmouth on the same day of the incident. The truck, which was later identified as being driven by Cole, fled from police at a high speed, disregarding signals from the cruiser which had activated its lights and sirens.
The police chased the pickup truck, which continued to evade them as it sped through intersections toward Windmill Road. Tragically, the truck collided with another vehicle, resulting in serious injuries to the man driving that vehicle. He was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the pursuit and the subsequent hit-and-run. The actions of the police in attempting to stop the truck are now part of the investigation by the Serious Incident Response Team. This body is tasked with examining situations where police involvement may have led to civilian casualties or injuries, ensuring transparency and accountability in such serious incidents.
The ongoing investigation and the multiple charges against Cole highlight the serious implications of reckless driving and fleeing from law enforcement. The outcome of Cole's court appearance and the subsequent legal proceedings will be closely monitored as this case unfolds in the coming weeks.
