Annapolis District RCMP charge man and recover stolen vehicles

July 22, 2026 - Meadowvale, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP

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Annapolis District RCMP recovered two stolen vehicles and charged a man who assaulted an officer and fled from police. 

On July 17 at approximately 7:45 a.m., investigators learned that a stolen vehicle was parked at a residence on Hwy. 201 in Meadowvale. When officers attended and attempted to arrest a man who was inside the vehicle, he assaulted one of the officers and fled on foot. 

A woman who was also in the vehicle was safely arrested.

To support the investigation and assist in locating the man, multiple RCMP teams attended, including general duty officers from Annapolis District RCMP and Kings District RCMP, the Southwest Nova Street Crimes Enforcement Unit, Police Dog Services (PDS), Air Services, and a remotely piloted aircraft system (drone) operator. 

Officers later observed the man, identified as James Carl Stoddard, in a nearby yard. He again fled on foot into a wooded area. 

At approximately 11:30 a.m., officers located Stoddard on Welton’s Ln. He was arrested with support from PDS. 

Stoddard, 43, of Upper Granville, is charged with seven offences, including Assaulting a Peace Officer, Resist Arrest (two counts), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (two counts), and Failure to Comply with Release Order. He had a first court appearance on July 20 and remains in custody pending future court appearances. 

Stoddard was assessed at hospital for an injury associated to the arrest and released into police custody. None of the police officers involved reported injuries. 

The woman who was arrested was released by police pending further investigation. 

While officers were on scene investigating the initial report of a stolen vehicle, they found a second stolen vehicle, a motorcycle, on the property as well. Both vehicles, a Dodge Grand Caravan and a Kawasaki KLX300 motorcycle, were seized and officers are working to return them to their owners as the investigation continues. 

Anyone with information that will support this investigation is asked to contact Annapolis District RCMP at 902-825-4481. 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 #: 2026-1013110

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