(St. John’s, NL), January 26, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) General Investigation Unit (GIU) have made an arrest in arson investigations in St. John’s.
On January 25, 2023, at approximately 5:10 p.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services (OPS) responded to a report of a structure fire on Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s.
Through the investigation, the RNC determined this incident to be arson and established a connection to other instances of arsons in St. John’s. The RNC obtained an image of the suspect through CCTV and circulated this image through social media and other media outlets, in an attempt to identify the suspect.
Following the request for public assistance, the RNC collected information that lead in the identification of the suspect as 31-year-old, Alex HAYES, of St. John’s.
On January 26, 2023 the RNC GIU and OPS located and arrested HAYES. As a result of the investigation the RNC have charged HAYES in connection with three recent fires, one of which occurred on January 25, 2023 and two separate fires that occurred on January 19, 2023.
HAYES was held to appear in court on the following charges;
- Arson x 3
- Break and Enter x 3
The RNC wishes to thank the public for their assistance and quick response in identifying HAYES.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these or any similar incidents is asked to contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app #SayItHere
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File # 23-4281; 23-3194; 23-3206
Cst. Jason Walsh #883
Media Relations and Public Communications
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658