(St. John’s, NL), May 30, 2022 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Major Case Management Team has initiated action in connection with a series of weapons offences in the metro region.

On May 27, 2022, the RNC informed the community that a Major Case Management Team had been assembled within the RNC Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in order to investigate a series of weapons offences, which occurred in the metro region from May 13 to May 27. Please refer to our website for details on the series of events at RNC Investigating Recent Firearms Offences – Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (gov.nl.ca).

The RNC CID Major Case Management Team have made progress in the investigation of these events, and have taken action following a collaborative effort engaging a variety of investigative resources.

On May 26, 2022, the RNC arrested 20-year-old Robert BELBIN of St. John’s, and he was charged with aggravated assault and robbery in connection with a stabbing which occurred in the downtown area of St. John’s on May 21, 2022.

On Sunday, May 29, 2022, the RNC Major Case Management Team arrested 20-year-old Brandon CHAFE from St. John’s in relation to trafficking firearms. He was held in custody to appear in Provincial Court. The investigative team also intercepted and seized a number of illegally owned firearms in the Brookfield Road area of St. John’s.

On Monday, May 30, 2022, at approximately 9:00 am, 19-year-old Abigail GILLINGHAM from St. John’s was arrested in relation to numerous firearms offences. At around noon, an 18-year-old male from St. John’s was arrested, with current charges relating to breach of court order. Both accused have been held in custody to appear in Provincial Court.

The RNC Major Case Management Team continue to seek the apprehension of persons of interest with charges pending. Details will become available as the investigation progresses.

The RNC is actively investigating, and continuing to seek any information relative to these events, requesting 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.

– 30 –

File # 2022-25753

 

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