Nova Scotia Killer Bought Retired Police Car Used in Attack at Auction
The killer, Gabriel Wortman, was dressed in a police uniform and drove the former police vehicle as he rampaged across the area during the 13-hour attack that started on April 18 and ended April 19.

The killer reportedly drove a retired police car marked as an RCMP vehicle and with a lightbar. (Photo: RCMP/Twitter)
Canadian authorities report that the man who killed 22 people in Nova Scotia, including Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Constable Heidi Stevenson, bought the retired patrol used in the attack at a 2019 auction.
The killer, Gabriel Wortman, was dressed in a police uniform and drove the former police vehicle as he rampaged across the area during the 13-hour attack that started on April 18 and ended April 19.
RCMP Supt. Darren Campbell Campbell told reporters the 51-year-old Halifax-based denturist outfitted the vehicle with an emergency light bar and decals that made the late-model Ford Taurus look almost identical to a genuine RCMP vehicle. The killer owned four retired patrol vehicles and was reportedly a collector of police uniforms, memorabilia, and gear.
#Colchester: Gabriel Wortman may be driving what appears to be an RCMP vehicle & may be wearing an RCMP uniform. There's 1 difference btwn his car and our RCMP vehicles: the car #. The suspect's car is 28B11, behind rear passenger window. If you see 28B11 call 911 immediately. pic.twitter.com/yyeOeBt8Ui
— RCMP, Nova Scotia (@RCMPNS) April 19, 2020
Officials say that nine of Wortman's victims died in the fires that he set and 13 died of gunshot wounds, Reuters reports. Wortman was killed by police.
Wortman's rampage reportedly began when he assaulted his girlfriend. She survived by running away and hiding in the woods while Wortman shot his neighbors and burned their homes before driving away to continue killing people he did not know. No motive is known for the attack.
Campbell said the shooter had several semi-automatic handguns and two semi-automatic rifles.
More Patrol

5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →