News release
RCMP charge man with attempted murder after shots fired in East Preston
December 19, 2025
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East Preston, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division has charged a man with attempted murder after shots were fired in East Preston.
On December 18, at approximately 8:46 a.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of shots fired at a vehicle in the 1600 block of Hwy. 7. Officers learned a woman was driving south on the roadway when a man exited his vehicle and fired shots in her direction.
The woman was not injured.
The man, who is known to the woman, fled the scene.
With the assistance of Halifax Regional Police, the man was located at a residence on Lake Loon Rd. and was taken into custody.
Colin Edward O’Malley, 42, of Lake Loon, is charged with:
- Attempted Murder
- Discharging Firearm with Intent
- Discharge Firearm – Recklessness
- Careless Use of a Firearm
- Pointing a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Carrying Concealed Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of Firearm Knowing Possession Unauthorized
- Possession of Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of Break-In Instrument
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (two counts)
He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on December 19.
The investigation of the shooting, an incident of intimate partner violence, is ongoing, and is being led by RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division with support from RCMP Police Dog Service and RCMP Forensic Identification Section.
File: 25-182137