RCMP arrest man following axe attack in Thorburn, N.S., ending emergency alert

THORBURN, N.S. — A 61-year-old man was arrested in Thorburn in connection to an axe attack that initiated an emergency alert.

John Douglas Cress allegedly committed an assault with an axe on Greenwood Street in Thorburn and then fled the scene, presumably on foot into the woods. RCMP said the injured person was known to Cress.

Following calls to police, an emergency alert was issued at 10 a.m. on Monday. Residents of Thorburn were asked to shelter in place.

At 11 a.m., the RCMP issued an update that the search was being assisted by the RCMP’s Colchester County District, Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and Air Services. A reminder was also issued advising residents to shelter in place and not visit or drive through the community of Thorburn.

At 11:40 a.m., RCMP announced that Cress had been arrested and the emergency alert had been cancelled.

Police will remain on the scene to continue their investigation.