(St. John’s, NL), May 27, 2022 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Major Case Management Team has established a connection with a series of targeted shooting incidents involving a criminal network within the metro region.
On Friday, May 13, 2022, at approximately 10:45 am, RNC Operational Patrol Services (OPS) responded to a report of a weapons offence in the area of Galway Boulevard in the Galway area of St. John’s. On arrival, officers observed damage to a vehicle consistent with a gunshot. It was determined that two suspects wearing masks exited a gold coloured Toyota sedan, potentially a Corolla, and proceeded to open fire on a parked vehicle. The suspects then got back in the gold sedan and fled toward the Trans-Canada Highway.
On May 21, 2022, at approximately 1:20 am, RNC OPS responded to a report of a disturbance on George Street in St. John’s, determining an assault had occurred. The victim, a 22-year-old male from Paradise, sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing.
A short time later, at approximately 4:15 am, on May 21, 2022, officers responded to the area on Goldfinch Drive in Paradise following reports of gunshots outside of a home. On arrival, officers observed damage to the property, and a male inside the home was treated for minor injury as a result of the gunfire.
On May 26, 2022, at approximately 2:45 am RNC OPS responded to the area of Thorburn Road in St. John’s following multiple reports of gunshots. Numerous patrol units scoured the area investigating the reports. The officers did not detect any evidence of gunfire.
A short time later, the RNC received a report that property damage, believed to be caused by gunfire, had occurred at 78 Thorburn Road. RNC OPS responded to the address, observing damage to the property consistent with gunshots. The RNC CID were engaged to investigate the event.
On May 27, 2022, at approximately 1:35 am, RNC OPS responded to a report of a residential fire in the east end of St. John’s. The front exterior of the property had sustained fire damage and damage consistent with gunshots.
The RNC CID engaged a Major Case Management Team to investigate these incidents, which are believed to be connected. At this stage, a 20-year-old male from St. John’s has been arrested in connection with the investigation, charged with aggravated assault and robbery. Investigators believe the events are targeted, however, the criminal actions of the perpetrators has demonstrated a serious disregard for public safety.
The RNC is continuing to seek any information relative to these events, and requests 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.
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File # 2022-25446
Cst. James. C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658