Residents of Gaetz Brook, Nova Scotia, were thrown into confusion on Wednesday afternoon after a police alert warned of a man carrying a machete in the area. The Nova Scotia RCMP issued the emergency alert around 3:30 p.m., urging people to shelter in place and avoid the vicinity of Highway 7 and Gaetz Brook Road.
Alert Details and Public Response
The alert described a male suspect wearing dark clothing and armed with a machete, last seen near a residential area. Many residents took to social media expressing uncertainty about the situation, with some reporting hearing police sirens and seeing officers with tactical gear. The RCMP later confirmed that the man was located and taken into custody without incident, though no further details about charges or identity have been released.
Community Reaction
Local resident Mary Thompson said she and her family locked themselves inside their home after receiving the alert on their phones. "We didn't know what was happening, but we followed instructions. It's scary to think someone with a machete was walking around our neighborhood," she said. The alert was lifted about an hour later, and police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
The incident adds to a series of recent police alerts in Nova Scotia, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of emergency notification systems. Some residents criticized the lack of follow-up information during the lockdown, while others praised the swift response by law enforcement.
RCMP are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man's presence and the weapon. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
