(St. John’s, NL), June 20, 2022 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Investigation Division is investigating a disturbance involving firearms offences in the Goulds area of St. John’s last night.

On Sunday, June 19, 2022, at approximately 7:50 pm, RNC Operational Patrol Services (OPS), Police Dog Services (PDS) and Criminal Investigation Division (CID) responded to a report of a disturbance, involving firearms, in the area of Pipeline Road and Robert E Howlett Memorial Drive, just south of Doyle’s Road, in St. John’s. On arrival, officers located a 21-year-old male with serious injuries consistent with an assault and a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital to seek medical attention.

Officers determined other individuals involved in the event had fled the scene prior to police arrival. Patrol units effected containment of the Goulds area of St. John’s and launched a search for potential suspects. As a result of the collaborative effort of RNC units, at 10:06 pm, officers located a suspect related to the event. The 20-year-old male was taken in to custody at Forest Pond, near Petty Harbour Road, in Goulds

This incident was a targeted attack, and is linked to a recent string of firearms-related offences in the metro region. The RNC CID are actively investigating this event, and are seeking any witnesses or video at particular times and locations throughout the community. Investigators are seeking the following information from June 19, 2022:

• Witnesses or video in the area of Bidgoods Plaza from 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm.
• Witnesses or video in the area of Pipeline Road and Robert E Howlett Memorial Drive, south of Doyle’s Road, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
• Witnesses or video of a white sedan or a Jeep travelling north on Robert E Howlett from the crime scene, which is just south of Doyle’s Road.
• Witnesses or video of a male wearing grey pants and a black shirt on foot in the area of Goulds between Pipeline Road and Forest Pond, which is off Petty Harbour Road, as indicated on the attached map*.

At this stage in the investigation, 20-year-old Brandon CHAFE has been charged with aggravated assault, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, pointing a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless use of a firearm, and multiple other firearms offences. CHAFE was held to appear in Provincial Court in connection with the charges.

The RNC sends gratitude to the community for the cooperation in response to this incident. Officers were successful in effectively tracking the suspect and determining areas of interest for further investigation as a result of the community support. As the investigation goes on, you may observe police presence in the area, as well as assisting agencies, as officers continue to gather evidence related to the event.

The RNC request that anyone with information to assist contact the RNC at 729-8000 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

Please view attached image of a map, with a yellow line outlining area in which investigators are requesting witnesses and video in the Goulds area.

– 30 –

 File # 2022-30689

 

Cst. James. C. Cadigan  #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658