The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), Nova Scotia's police watchdog, has concluded its investigation into a serious crash involving an off-duty officer from the Halifax Regional Police (HRP). The incident occurred on January 24, 2025, on Myra Road in Porters Lake, where a male driver was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle driven by the off-duty policeman.

According to SiRT's media release, the individual injured was parked on the roadside and was attending to a passenger in the backseat when the incident happened. The report specified that the man was partially on the road when he was hit by the vehicle, resulting in significant injuries to his leg, pelvis, and head. He was subsequently airlifted to a hospital by a Life Flight helicopter for urgent medical care.

Fortunately, the off-duty HRP officer was not injured in the crash. The investigation revealed that alcohol did not play a role in the incident, which was crucial in evaluating the circumstances surrounding the crash. A witness present at the scene, who was identified as a passenger in the car of the injured man, reported that the driver had momentarily stopped to clean up after their baby daughter had an accident in the backseat.

After the collision, the off-duty officer reportedly expressed his sorrow, stating, “I’m so sorry” at the scene. He claimed that he did not see the man, questioning why an individual would be in the “middle of the road.” This statement raises questions about the visibility and awareness of both parties immediately before the crash.

In their official report, SiRT noted that witnesses described the driving of the off-duty officer as normal under the given conditions. Furthermore, the investigation found no evidence suggesting that he was speeding, driving erratically, or behaving outside the ordinary while operating his vehicle. SiRT’s summary underscored that, although an unfortunate accident occurred, there was no indication that the off-duty officer intentionally posed a risk to anyone or engaged in dangerous behavior.

SiRT is responsible for investigating incidents that involve death, serious injuries, or other matters of significant public interest involving police officers. In this case, the decision not to lay charges against the off-duty HRP officer highlights the complexities and nuances law enforcement agencies often encounter when assessing such accidents involving their personnel.

As investigations into police-related incidents continue to draw public scrutiny, the conclusions drawn by SiRT may influence future discussions on police accountability and community safety, particularly regarding off-duty conduct and road safety protocols.