MADD Yarmouth County

02/28/2026

Our deepest condolences to his family

Yarmouth Rural RCMP is investigating a fatal head-on collision that occurred in South Ohio.

On February 27, at approximately 1:45 p.m., RCMP, EHS and fire services responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Hardscratch Rd. near Hwy. 340. The initial investigation indicates that a GMC Sierra was travelling north on Hardscratch Rd. and collided with a Ford Ranger travelling south, causing the Ford to leave the roadway and enter the ditch.

The driver and lone occupant of the Ford Ranger, an 82-year-old man from Arcadia, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver and lone occupant of the GMC Sierra, a 43-year-old man from Yarmouth, was arrested for Impaired Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death after officers observed signs of impairment. He was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A blood demand was made and a sample was obtained.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the location of the collision. Hardscratch Rd. at Hwy. 340 was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information or dashcam video of the collision is asked to contact the Yarmouth Rural RCMP at 902-742-9106. 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.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

File #: 2026-264097

02/07/2026

On February 5, RCMP arrested two impaired drivers in Cole Harbour and Lower Sackville.

At approximately 5:40 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the 400 block of Arklow Dr. The officers learned a man and a dog had been inside the vehicle for several hours.

Upon arrival, officers located a Kia Rio with a man in the driver’s seat. The man started the vehicle and attempted to leave but was stopped by the officer. The officer observed signs of impairment and administered a roadside screening device. The man provided a roadside breath sample, which resulted in a fail.

The man, a 41-year-old from the Halifax area, was arrested for impaired driving and transported to Cole Harbour RCMP Detachment, where he provided two breath samples registering 340 mg% and 360 mg%.

Due to his high blood-alcohol readings, EHS was called to provide medical assistance and transported the man to hospital for further treatment. He was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court at a later date.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., RCMP Southeast Traffic Services was proactively patrolling the 700 block of Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville, when officers observed a Toyota Tundra leaving a licensed establishment. A traffic stop was conducted to check the sobriety of the driver.

The driver provided a breath sample, which registered a fail. The driver, a 36-year-old man of Lakelands, was arrested for impaired driving and transported to Lower Sackville RCMP Detachment where he provided two additional breath samples registering 90 mg% and 80 mg%.

He was released and will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court at a later date.

“Whether a driver blows 90 mg% or 340 mg%, the risks to the public are the same. Any level of impairment reduces reaction time, affects judgment, and increases the likelihood of a collision that can cause serious injury or death,” says Cpl. Mandy Edwards, Public Information Officer, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment. “Choosing to drive while impaired puts everyone on the road at risk, and officers will take enforcement action whenever impairment is detected.”

To report a suspected impaired driver, call 911.
File #: 26-19943, 26-20158

12/04/2025

This past Sunday night, Volunteers Nancy Comeau and Darren Stevens spread our mission and awareness at the Mariners Centre.

11/25/2025

On November 22, in Saint-Léonard stopped a vehicle on Route 2 for travelling 174 km/h in a 110 km/h zone. Police observed several empty beer containers under the driver’s seat, and a 9-year-old child was present in the vehicle. The driver was issued a $604.50 ticket, and their license was immediately suspended for three months. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days, and the driver will be required to appear in court.

09/05/2025

*Former Nova Scotia Fire Chief Faces Impaired Driving Charges in New Brunswick*

A former Nova Scotia fire chief, Jerrold Cotton, 51, is facing serious charges in New Brunswick. Cotton, who was previously the chief of the Collingwood and District Volunteer Fire Department, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on May 4 near Sackville, N.B. As a result, he has been charged with impaired driving, driving with a blood alcohol concentration over 80, and obstructing a peace officer.

This recent incident is not Cotton's first brush with controversy. In February, he was involved in a fatal incident while serving as fire chief. Cotton struck snowmobiler Blake Nicholson, 28, with a municipal fire truck while responding to a call for help. Unfortunately, Nicholson died shortly after being hit.

The February incident led to Cotton's discharge from his position as fire chief and a lifetime ban from the fire hall. The Municipality of Cumberland enacted a bylaw last year that included a code of conduct for chiefs and deputy chiefs, which Cotton was found to be in violation of.

*Previous Impaired Driving Conviction*

Cotton's history with impaired driving dates back to 2020. He pleaded guilty to impaired driving while operating a fire truck and received a $2,000 fine, a licence suspension from November 30, 2020, to May 31, 2022, and an 18-month prohibition order on motor vehicles.

The Municipality of Cumberland also banned Cotton from driving municipal vehicles for about a year following the 2020 incident. However, it was revealed that Cotton responded to an emergency call three days after the February incident, despite publicly stating he would step away from his duties.

*Investigation and Court Proceedings*

The Nova Scotia RCMP investigation into the February incident is still ongoing, and no charges have been laid. Cotton appeared in Moncton provincial court on August 29 for the impaired driving charges and is scheduled to enter a plea on October 17.

As the case unfolds, the community is left to grapple with the consequences of Cotton's actions. The incident has raised questions about accountability, responsibility, and the importance of upholding the law, particularly for those in positions of authority.

*Conclusion*

The charges against Jerrold Cotton are serious, and the outcome of the court proceedings will be closely watched. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, especially for those who serve in critical roles like fire chief. As the community seeks justice for Blake Nicholson and his loved ones, the hope is that the legal process will provide clarity and closure.

Source CBC NEWS