23-year-old man charged for assaulting police officer

A 23-year-old man from Sussex, N.B., has been charged following an assault on a police officer in the community.

On April 11, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m., members of the Sussex RCMP detachment received a driving complaint regarding a vehicle near Court Street in Sussex. Police were already in the area, and were able to respond and quickly locate the vehicle. Police stopped the vehicle and were able to identify the driver as a 23-year-old man from Sussex. Police also observed what was believed to be crystal methamphetamine in plain view in the vehicle, and placed the driver under arrest.

As the officer was trying to remove the driver from the car, the driver resisted, started the vehicle, and quickly accelerated. The officer was dragged for approximately 15 - 20 meters before letting go. The officer suffered minor injuries during the incident, and the driver fled from police.

On April 12, at approximately 4 p.m., police were able to locate and arrest the 23-year-old man.

On April 15, Colton Bernard appeared in Saint John Provincial Court and was charged with:

• Resisting a peace officer
• Assault on a police officer
• Flight from police
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

He was later released on conditions, and is scheduled to return to court on May 13 at 9:30 a.m.

The investigation is ongoing.