Fishing hooks, pipe used in Eastern Passage assault: RCMP

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The RCMP says it is investigating reports that an alleged assault on fishers in Eastern Passage was a hate crime.

According to police, officers were called to reports of an assault near Cow Bay Road around 7 p.m. on May 4.

“On arrival, officers found two people with serious injuries and arrested two other people — one youth and one man,” reads a media release from the RCMP. “Police also seized several items used as weapons in this assault, including fishing hooks and a metal pipe.”

Police say the two victims were rushed to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

The youth is facing four charges including aggravated assault and remains in custody, while the 39-year-old man from Cow Bay is facing one count of assault and was released on conditions with a court appearance set for June.

Related:

• ‘A lot of uncertainty’ for Nova Scotia fishers amid trade war with U.S.
• Mi’kmaq fishers working within fed’s baby eel rules, it’s a ‘peaceful’ season

The Mounties also say the ongoing investigation will look into allegations that this was a hate-motivated crime.

“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,” read the media release.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out to police.