The Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative caucus has confirmed a man arrested after trying to flee a crime scene in a canoe is the son of an MLA.
Police received a call about a break-and-enter at a home on Cedarbank Terrace in Halifax at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday.
The caller told police the suspect was fleeing the scene in a red canoe on the Northwest Arm.
Officers responded to both sides of the Northwest Arm and spotted the man paddling away in an effort to evade arrest.
Police sought the assistance of boat owners and were about to launch a chase after the man, but he paddled ashore to a nearby park where he was arrested.
Officers seized the canoe and other items taken in the break-and-enter, including a sword.
The 20-year-old suspect, Caleb John Lohr, is facing several charges, including two counts of break-and-enter, obstructing and resisting arrest, possession of housebreaking tools and theft and possession under $5,000.
Lohr is the son of Kings North MLA John Lohr.
"Our main priority is our son, and getting him the help and support he needs at this time. This is a private family matter and we respectfully ask for the time to deal with this issue through the mental health court program,” said the MLA in a statement on Thursday.
Lohr was arraigned in court Thursday. He is due back in mental health court on Nov. 27.
