Halifax Regional Police say a man suspected of breaking into a home is facing charges after he tried to flee the scene in a canoe.

Police received a call about a break-and-enter at a home on Cedarbank Terrace in Halifax at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday.

“The caller described the suspect as fleeing the scene in a red canoe into Northwest Arm,” confirms police spokeswoman Theresa Rath.

Officers responded to both sides of the Northwest Arm and spotted the man paddling away in an effort to evade arrest.

Rath says officers sought the assistance of boat owners and were about to launch a chase after the man, but he paddled ashore to a nearby park where he was arrested.

“He came to shore at about 3:35 where he was arrested by patrol officers as well as K9,” she says.

Rath says the red canoe and other items taken in the break-and-enter, including a sword, have been recovered. It has yet to be determined whether the canoe was also stolen.

“I’ve been here almost 12 years and I’ve never heard of a canoe getaway,” says Rath.

In addition to the alleged break-and-enter, Rath says marine laws could have been violated, as it isn’t clear whether the man was wearing a life-jacket.

“If you’re using a canoe for a getaway you should practice safe boating.”

The 20-year-old suspect was held in custody overnight. He is due to appear in Halifax provincial court Thursday to face several charges including two counts of break and enter, obstructing and resisting arrest, possession of housebreaking tools and theft and possession under $5,000.

Police say the incident remains under investigation and further charges are possible.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant and The Canadian Press