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Nova Scotia emergency alert lifted after man arrested in alleged axe attack

THORBURN, N.S. — Nova Scotia RCMP have arrested a suspect in an alleged axe attack in Thorburn, N.S., that left one person in serious condition. Police say they lifted an emergency alert after they took 61-year-old John Douglas Cress into custody.
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The RCMP has issued an emergency alert after one person was injured in an alleged axe attack at a home in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. The Mounties say in a release investigators are searching for 61-year-old John Douglas Cress, shown in a handout photo, in relation to the assault at a residence on Greenwood Street, in Thorburn. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP **MANDATORY CREDIT**

THORBURN, N.S. — Nova Scotia RCMP have arrested a suspect in an alleged axe attack in Thorburn, N.S., that left one person in serious condition.

Police say they lifted an emergency alert after they took 61-year-old John Douglas Cress into custody.

Earlier today police asked residents in the Thorburn area to shelter in place, as the suspect allegedly fled into the woods on foot.

They say a man attacked the victim with an axe at a residence on Greenwood Street, about 10 kilometres east of New Glasgow.

Investigators say the assailant knew the victim, who was left with serious injuries.

RCMP say Cress was arrested safely and that officers will remain in the area to continue their investigation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2023.

The Canadian Press