Barricaded man accused of lighting fire, attacking police with pitchfork in Truro, N.S.

A Truro Police Service vehicle is pictured in an undated photo. (Source: Facebook/Truro Police Service)

A man is facing charges after he allegedly barricaded himself inside a home in Truro, N.S., sprayed gasoline at police officers, lit a fire inside the home, and then tried to attack the officers with a pitchfork.

The Truro Police Service says officers went to 55 Archibald Street to help Nova Scotia Sheriff Services serve a court-ordered eviction notice to a resident at the address around 1:40 p.m. Thursday.

“The resident was non-compliant with Sheriff Officers and had barricaded the doors to prevent access,” said Truro police in a statement.

“There was a strong smell of gasoline coming from inside the home and the Sheriffs indicated that the resident sprayed gasoline toward them when they attempted to enter the home.”

Police say they contained the area and closed the surrounding streets as they tried to negotiate with the man. Truro fire crews and paramedics also responded to the scene.

“During this time, the resident lit the backdoor area of the home on fire to prevent police from entering and was quickly knocked down by the Truro Fire Service,” said Truro police.

“The male retreated to the basement of the home where he armed himself with a pitchfork and attempted to strike our officers through the basement window.”

Officers tried to subdue the man with a Taser, but they weren’t successful, and then deployed a chemical irritant into the basement.

Police say they continued to negotiate with the man, who eventually exited the home. He was then arrested and taken to hospital.

The man, who has not been identified, is facing the following charges:

• arson/damage to property
• three counts of assault on a peace officer
• resisting arrest

The accused was held in custody overnight and was set to appear in Truro provincial court Friday morning.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page