News release
Colchester County District RCMP charges man with multiple offences following assault
October 7, 2026
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Lower Debert, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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Colchester County District RCMP has charged a man with multiple offences following an assault.
On October 1, at approximately 9:10 p.m., Colchester County District RCMP and EHS responded to a report of an assault that occurred at a residence on Gray Rd. in Lower Debert. Officers learned a man had assaulted a woman known to him and fled before police arrived. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS.
With the victim’s support, investigators can confirm this was an incident of intimate partner violence.
RCMP Police Dog Services and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System were deployed to assist in the search for the suspect. During the search, officers located and seized an unsecured rifle inside the home. Despite an extensive search for the suspect, the man wasn’t located.
On October 7, Colchester County District RCMP, with assistance of the RCMP’s Critical Incident Program, executed a warrant at the residence on Gray Rd. and safety arrested 53-year-old William Douglas Messervey.
Messervey has been charged with:
- Assault
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm
- Assault by Choking
- Careless Use of Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Escape and Being at Large Without Excuse (two counts)
- Failure to Comply with Undertaking
Messervey appeared in Truro Provincial Court on October 7 and was remanded into custody pending a next court appearance on October 9.
The Nova Scotia RCMP encourages anyone experiencing, or at risk of, intimate partner violence to call or text 211 or call the provincial toll-free line at 1-855-225-0200 for confidential support. In an emergency, call 911.
File # 2026-1450729