News release
Pictou County District RCMP charges man who brandished blowtorch at officer
January 15, 2026
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Scotsburn, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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Pictou County District RCMP has charged a man who attempted to assault a police officer with a blow torch.
On January 12 at approximately 6:10 p.m., officers attended a residence on O. Mclean Rd. as part of an investigation into theft of a truck.
When an officer told a man that he was under arrest, the man lit a blowtorch and attempted to burn the officer. The officer deployed his conducted energy weapon (CEW). The man was taken into custody by the two officers on scene.
During a search incidental to arrest, investigators located and seized a quantity of methamphetamine.
Pictou County District RCMP has charged Matthew MacIntosh, 41, of Scotsburn, with Assault Peace Officer, Assault with a Weapon, Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent, Obstruction, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine). He appeared in Pictou Provincial Court on January 13 and remains in custody pending further court appearances.
Neither of the officers were injured. MacIntosh reported an injury related to the use of the CEW. He was transported to hospital by police, assessed, and then returned to police custody.
The stolen truck was returned to the owner.
File #: 2026-51931