Halifax man attempts to flee break-and-enter scene in a canoe

Halifax police inspect a canoe that a break-and-enter suspect used to flee, in Halifax, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014.

HALIFAX -- Halifax police say a man attempted an ocean getaway Wednesday afternoon after allegedly breaking into a home and using a canoe to flee the scene.

A spokeswoman for the police says it's rare for pursuits to occur in the cool waters of the Northwest Arm, especially with the suspect paddling away in an effort to evade arrest.

Theresa Rath says officers sought the assistance of boat owners and were about to launch a chase after the man, but he paddled ashore to a nearby park where officers and a police dog were waiting and arrested him.

Rath says the red canoe and other items taken in the break-and-enter have been recovered.

Police say a 20-year-old man is in custody and is to appear in court on Thursday.

He's facing two counts of break and enter, and one charge each of resisting arrest, possession of housebreaking tools, and theft and possession under $5,000.