RCMP Release New Details of Violent Roadside Incident in Rexton

A New Brunswick man faces numerous charges including seven attempted murder charges in connection with a violent incident Monday night along the road in Upper Rexton.

Richibucto and Elsipogtog RCMP and Ambulance New Brunswick responded to a complaint at the intersection of Highway 116 and Big Cove Road at around 9:25 p.m., according to Cpl. Eric Friel of the Richibucto detachment.

Based on evidence gathered at the scene, police believe 59-year-old Michael Augustine was driving a pickup truck with a 34-year-old female passenger, when he physically attacked the woman. The woman was able to get out of the vehicle, which then came to a stop on the side of the road. Police say an altercation between the two ensued.

Woman escapes her assailant and is rescued by family in SUV

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 as passengers, according to the RCMP. The family ushered the woman inside the SUV. Meanwhile, Augustine got back into his truck. Police say the truck then rammed the SUV multiple times, pushing it off the road and causing it to roll over several times.

New details of violent incident in Rexton, N.B. released on Friday

Police have now learned that the 34-year-old woman was able to climb out of the SUV first, and ran to a nearby business to call police. While the family attempted to get out of the overturned vehicle, Augustine allegedly approached them with a chainsaw.

The driver of the SUV was able to disarm Augustine, and physically restrain him until police arrived. Augustine was arrested at the scene

Three adults and four children were all treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, and have since been released.

Michael Gordon Augustine, of Elsipogtog First Nation, initially appeared in court via tele-remand on Tuesday, July 19, and was charged with attempted murder.

37 charges laid against Augustine in court on Friday

On Friday, July 22, he appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and was charged with a total of 37 offences, including: Seven counts each of attempted murder, assault with a vehicle as a weapon, assault with a weapon (chainsaw), assault causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm. In addition he was charged with one count each of unlawful confinement and of resisting arrest.

Augustine was remanded in custody pending a court appearance on August 4 at 11 a.m.

"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. "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."

Police are looking to speak with any witnesses, including anyone who may have been traveling in the area between 8:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the night of Monday, July 18. Investigators are particularly interested in dash cam footage or any other images or video of the incidents.

Contact the Richibucto RCMP at 506-523-4611 or New Brunswick Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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