News release
Police charge masked man in possession of loaded firearm outside restaurant in Eastern Passage; seize additional firearms
April 2, 2026
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Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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Police have charged a man with multiple firearms offences following an incident outside a Cow Bay Rd. restaurant and the subsequent execution of a search warrant.
On March 31, at approximately 8:40 p.m., officers responded to a report of a masked man outside a restaurant in the 0-100 block of Cow Bay Rd. Officers learned the man was known to an employee of 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. The man attempted to flee but was arrested by the HRP Canine Unit with assistance from RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment officers.
The man was in possession of a loaded rifle, ammunition and a prohibited magazine, which officers seized.
With the assistance of the RCMP/HRP Integrated General Investigation Section, a search warrant was later executed at a residence on Romkey Dr. Officers seized a loaded handgun with prohibited magazine, two long guns, ammunition, two RCMP uniform patches, and 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,” says Staff Sgt. Mark MacPherson, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment West Operations Officer. “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, 18, of Eastern Passage is charged with:
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (five counts)
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (five counts)
- Possession of a Prohibited Device Knowing it is Unauthorized (three counts)
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing it is Unauthorized (five counts)
- Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition (two counts)
- Possession of a Firearm Obtained by the Commission of an Offence (five counts)
- Possession of Firearm Knowing the Serial Number has been Altered, Defaced or Removed
- Possession Contrary to Court Order (nine counts)
- Failure to Comply with Youth Order (eight counts)
- Unsafe Storage Contrary to Regulations (five counts)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device (two counts)
- Criminal Harassment
- Disguise with Intent
- Resist Arrest
Tobin is also 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 faces additional charges related to incidents involving the same victim that occurred in December and January.
Tobin remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on April 23.
File #: 26-50174