(St. John’s, NL), February 27, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Operational Patrol Services (OPS) and General Investigation Unit (GIU) have made an arrest following multiple armed robberies in St. John’s.
On February 25, 2023, at about 4:25 a.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services (OPS) responded to a report of a robbery at a 24-hour gas bar on Stavanger Drive, St. John’s. On arrival police learned that a man had entered the business and presented a weapon, while demanding cash. The man left prior to police arrival with an undisclosed amount of cash.
On February 25, 2023, at about 4:50 a.m., the RNC OPS responded to a report of a robbery at a 24-hour gas bar on Topsail Rd, St. John’s. On arrival police learned that a man had entered the business and presented a weapon, while demanding cash. The man left prior to police arrival with an undisclosed amount of cash.
On February 25, 2023, at about 5:00 a.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services (OPS) responded to a report of a robbery at a 24-hour gas bar on Torbay Rd, St. John’s. On arrival police learned that a man had entered the business, at approximately 4:10 a.m., and presented a weapon, while demanding cash and cigarettes. The man left prior to police arrival with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.
The suspect was described as a black man, approximately five feet and ten inches tall, wearing sunglasses, a dark coat, hat and jeans. In some instances the man was said to be wearing a surgical face mask.
During this time RNC OPS and Communications Centre began to make contact with 24-hour gas bars in the Northeast Avalon, and conducted extra patrols. While attending a 24-hour gas bar on Portugal Cove Road to speak with staff, a member of OPS noted a man matching the description of the suspect in the parking lot of the business.
The man was identified as 34-year-old Godfrey ORACH, of St. John’s. ORACH arrested without incident.
As a result of the investigation Godfrey ORACH was been held to appear before a Judge in provincial court on the following charges:
- Robbery x 4
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose x 4
- Disguise with Intent x 3
- Careless Use of a Firearm x 3
- Pointing a Firearm x 1
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon x 3
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence x 4
- Breach of Firearms Prohibition Order x 4
- Failure to Comply with a Release Order x 4
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
– 30 –
File # 23-9801; 23-9793; 23-9795; 23-9797
Cst. Jason Walsh #883
Media Relations and Public Communications
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca