Teen with gun arrested outside restaurant in case of intimate partner violence: N.S. RCMP

An 18-year-old man is facing more than 50 charges after police found a weapons cache in the Halifax area.

An 18-year-old is facing more than 50 charges after he allegedly brought a loaded gun to a restaurant in Eastern Passage, N.S., and police later seized weapons and body armour from his home, in what investigators are calling an “intimate partner violence-related situation.”

The RCMP responded to a report of a masked man outside the business in the 0-100 block of Cow Bay Road around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday. Police learned the man knew an employee at the restaurant.

“The Halifax Regional Police Canine Unit arrived on scene and located the man, who was also wearing gloves and had what appeared to be a firearm concealed in his pants,” said the RCMP in a news release Thursday.

“The man attempted to flee but was arrested by the HRP Canine Unit with assistance from RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment officers.”

Police say the man had a loaded rifle, ammunition and a prohibited magazine, which officers seized.

The RCMP and Halifax police later executed a search warrant at a home on Romkey Drive in Eastern Passage. Police say they seized the following items from the home:

• loaded handgun with prohibited magazine
• two long guns
• ammunition
• two RCMP uniform patches
• body armour

“This was a fast‑moving intimate partner violence-related situation, and the quick, coordinated response by RCMP officers and our partners at Halifax Regional Police ensured it was resolved safely,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Mark MacPherson in a statement.

“Given the weapons involved, this incident had the potential to be much more serious, and the teamwork on scene played a critical role in preventing harm.”

Connor James Tobin of Eastern Passage has been charged with the following offences:

• five counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• carrying a concealed weapon
• five counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm
• three counts of possession of a prohibited device knowing it is unauthorized
• five counts of possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
• two counts of possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm with ammunition
• five counts of possession of a firearm obtained by the commission of an offence
• possession of firearm knowing the serial number has been altered, defaced or removed
• nine counts of possession contrary to court order
• eight counts of failure to comply with youth order
• five counts of unsafe storage contrary to regulations
• two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
• criminal harassment
• disguise with intent
• resist arrest

Police say Tobin has also been charged with possession of body armour without a valid permit under the Body Armour Control Act and possession of police shoulder patches under the Police Identity Management Act.

He’s also facing additional charges related to incidents involving the same victim in December and January, according to police.

Tobin remains in custody. He is due to appear in Dartmouth provincial court on April 23.

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