Man, youth arrested after assault on fishers in Eastern Passage: N.S. RCMP

A popular fishing spot off Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage, N.S., is pictured on May 21, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/Andrea Jerrett)

A man and a youth have been arrested after police say they assaulted fishers in Eastern Passage, N.S.

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of an assault in progress near Cow Bay Road around 7 p.m. on May 4.

The RCMP says officers found two injured people – one of whom had life-threatening injuries – who were taken to hospital by ambulance. Two others were arrested.

“Police also seized several items used as weapons in this assault, including fishing hooks and a metal pipe. The incident occurred while the victims were fishing for gaspereau,” reads a news release from the RCMP.

The youth had a first court appearance and remains in custody, facing four charges including aggravated assault.

The 39-year-old man, from Cow Bay, was later released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court on June 10 to face a charge of assault.

Police say the incident is under investigation and they are aware of allegations it was a “hate-motivated crime or hate-motivated incident based on information provided by witnesses.”

“The RCMP takes incidents of hate with utmost seriousness and condemns all hate-motivated incidents, and may follow up with further charges as is necessary based on the ongoing investigation,” reads the release.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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