A total of 37 charges, including seven attempted murder charges, have been laid against a man in connection with incidents in Upper Rexton.
On Monday, July 18 around 9:25 p.m., RCMP say members responded to a complaint at the intersection of Highway 116 and Big Cove Road.
Police believe a 59-year-old man was driving in a pickup truck with a 34-year-old woman when the man physically attacked the woman.
The woman was able to escape the vehicle and an altercation ensued.
A short time later, the woman flagged down a passing SUV driven by a man, with a woman and four children between the ages of three and 12.
The family ushered the woman inside the SUV.
Meanwhile, the man got back into his truck and rammed the SUV multiple times, pushing it off the road and causing it to roll over several times.
Police say the initial victim was able to climb out of the vehicle first, fleeing to a nearby business to call police.
While the family attempted to get everyone out of the SUV, the man approached the vehicle with a chainsaw.
The driver of the SUV was able to disarm the man and physically restrain him until police arrived.
A 59-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
The two women, the driver of the SUV, and the four children were all treated in hospital for non life-threatening injuries and later released.
“This is a complex file, and a traumatic incident for those involved. Our investigation is continuing in order to ensure we have full understanding of the sequence of events and that we have the information needed to support the court process,” says Cpl. Eric Friel of the Richibucto RCMP detachment.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation in not speculating on circumstances, or sharing information that has not been made public at this time in order to support our ongoing investigation and future court proceedings.”
Michael Gordon Augustine, 59, of Elsipogtog First Nation, initially appeared in court via tele-remand on July 19 and was charged with attempted murder.
On July 22, he appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and now faces 37 charges including:
- Seven counts of attempted murder
- Seven counts of assault with a vehicle as a weapon
- Seven counts of assault with a weapon (chainsaw)
- Seven counts of assault causing bodily harm
- Seven counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm
- One count of unlawful confinement
- One count of resisting arrest.
He was remanded in custody pending a court appearance on August 4 at 11 a.m.
Police are looking to speak with any witnesses including anyone who may have been travelling in the area between 8:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the night of July 18.
“If you were in the area and saw any of this series of incidents, particularly if you have dash cam footage or any other images or video of the events, please contact police,” says Cpl. Friel. “This will be information that could be used to support the ongoing court process.”
Anyone who witnessed, or who has information about this incident is asked to contact the Richibucto RCMP at 506-523-4611.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca
