News release
RCMP charges four people for damage to police vehicles
April 30, 2026
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Potlotek, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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On April 2, Northeast Nova RCMP launched an investigation after police vehicles were damaged and RCMP property went missing.
On the morning of April 2, Northeast Nova RCMP executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis storefront in the 12000 block of Hwy. 4, which resulted in the arrest of two people and the seizure of cannabis products. A group of protestors then gathered in the community and blocked the roadway. In the interest of public safety, officers who were still at the location of the storefront cleared their vehicles of service weapons and exited the area on foot.
The RCMP vehicles recovered in Potlotek on April 3 sustained damage, and three sets of hard body armour were missing.
As part of the ongoing investigation, RCMP officers have executed four search warrants. They were executed to obtain video footage related to the incident and to recover a floor jack and other items. Officers also seized a loaded SKS rifle with a high‑capacity magazine and a shotgun at a residence; neither firearm is an RCMP-issued weapon.
The following four individuals are facing charges in relation to the investigation:
- Jonathan Lindsay Paul, 46, of Membertou, is charged with six counts of Mischief Over $5,000, 24 counts of Mischief, and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Maurice Ellery Francis, 33, of Potlotek, is charged with Mischief Under $5,000
- Evan Michael Johnson, 30, of Potlotek, is charged with Mischief Under $5,000
- Shamus Daniel Stone, 19, of River Bourgeois, is charged with Mischief Under $5,000
All four men have been released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on June 11.
The three sets of RCMP hard body armour taken from the vehicles remain outstanding. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information and who hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact Richmond County District RCMP at 902-258-2213. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
File #: 2026-429697
