ANNAPOLIS VALLEY: An Annapolis County man, formerly from the Lantz area, has been charged with attempted murder and firearms offences following a shooting in South Farmington.Â
On August 8, at approximately 7:20 a.m., Annapolis County District RCMP and EHS responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Old Mill Rd.
Officers learned that a woman had been shot by a man known to her, who then fled the area in a damaged Mazda 3.Â
Upon arrival, officers found a 31-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to hospital by EHS with life-threatening injuries.
While searching for the Mazda, East Hants RCMP observed the vehicle in the Rawdon area and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, the driver failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed.
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment later located the vehicle in the Beaver Bank area and followed it toward Lower Sackville. A tire deflation device was deployed; however, it was ineffective as the Mazda successfully avoided it.
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RCMP Air Services was engaged and monitored the vehicle from the air as it travelled to Bedford.
At approximately 10:40 a.m., the Mazda was involved in a single-vehicle crash behind 1595 Bedford Hwy. The vehicle struck a tree after attempting to drive along a hiking trail.Â
The driver, who was believed to be armed, then fled on foot.
An emergency alert was issued to residents in the Bedford area in the interest of public safety. As the search continued, a second Alert Ready emergency alert was issued to residents throughout Halifax Regional Municipality.
With assistance from the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) ERT, RCMP Police Dog Services, and the HRP Canine Unit, the man was safely arrested.
The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting has not been located.
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Ryan Alexander Cole, 36, of Annapolis County, has been charged with:
Attempted Murder
Discharge a Firearm
Careless Use of Firearm
Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Order
Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Unauthorized Possession in Motor Vehicle
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
Pointing a Firearm
Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance (two counts)
Flight From Peace Officer
Failure to Comply with Release Order (three counts)
Cole is scheduled to appear in Digby Provincial Court on August 10.
The ongoing investigation is being led by RCMP Annapolis District GIS, with support from RCMP Forensic Identification Services.
File #: 2026-1145298, 26-123146
