A 44-year-old man is dead after a shooting in Whitney Pier early Saturday, with three suspects now facing first-degree murder charges.

Cape Breton Regional Police say officers were called to a home in the Shore Road area after reports of gunfire. A man fled the scene, while three others left in a white truck.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle but were unsuccessful. The three inside then ran into a wooded area, prompting an emergency alert shortly before 3 a.m.

The emergency response team, canine units, and a drone unit were deployed to search for the suspects. Officers later arrested them at an apartment complex.

On Sunday, police confirmed all three have been charged with first-degree murder. The victim has been identified as Jeffrey Pearson, 44.