A woman from Nova Scotia expressed regret for alerting the RCMP about a reckless driver, leading to an unexpected situation where an officer entered her home without her knowledge. Robin MacDougall was traveling from Antigonish to Port Hawkesbury on Highway 104 in June to celebrate Father’s Day with her parents. While on the road, she observed a car ahead of her swerving, accelerating, and decelerating erratically. MacDougall dialed 911 and was advised by the dispatcher to call back if she or the erratic driver exited the highway. Less than 10 minutes later, she made another call before taking an exit for Port Hawkesbury, informing the dispatcher that the erratic driver was heading towards Cape Breton.
Later, MacDougall was surprised to receive a call from an RCMP officer while having lunch with her parents. The officer informed her of a misunderstanding that led them to her house. MacDougall and her partner, who was at work, realized that their back door was unlocked, allowing the officer to enter the residence. Feeling invaded and puzzled, MacDougall reached out to a friend for assistance.
The head of the RCMP detachment in Antigonish, Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hillier, defended the officer’s actions, stating that a dropped call from MacDougall prompted the home visit. According to Hillier, a second call from MacDougall was disconnected, and the dispatcher couldn’t reconnect with her, necessitating the officer’s response. Hillier clarified that the officers were investigating separate incidents and were primarily concerned about ensuring someone’s safety rather than looking for an impaired driver.
MacDougall disputed Hillier’s claim of a dropped call, citing poor cell coverage in the area. She maintained that none of her 911 calls were disconnected, as confirmed by her cellular provider’s call log. MacDougall emphasized that her phone’s Bluetooth connection always functions properly, making it unlikely for her to miss any calls.
The incident has left MacDougall feeling violated, uncertain about how to handle similar situations in the future. Despite the disagreement about the dropped call, the RCMP stands by their procedures, emphasizing their duty to respond to potential emergencies.