Suspect, 21, in custody after alleged carjacking, speeding with a weapon
Police say a young man in custody accused of erratic driving and speeding — reportedly with a weapon — was also involved in an alleged carjacking that prompted an urgent police warning Wednesday.
Police said the suspect, 21, allegedly had a weapon, although they would only say it was not a firearm, and said he was driving a red Pontiac van in Holyrood, St. John's and Colliers.
However, before that, the suspect was driving another vehicle.
The incident started as a theft of Kia Sedona in Avondale around 8 a.m., according to the RCMP.
At the request of the RCMP, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary issued a warning mid-morning via Twitter, asking the public to be on the lookout for a red Kia Sedona.
Police say the person was observed driving at excessive speeds in Avondale, sideswiped a vehicle, then got gas at a station and left without paying, before heading for St. John's "at dangerous speeds," according to a statement from the RCMP.
Police say there were two male occupants in the red Sedona, which was reportedly involved in several collisions around St. John's, including:
A suspected hit-and-run near Ropewalk Lane.
A three-car crash intersection of Thorburn Road at O'Leary Avenue.
Hitting a utility pole.
Attempted ramming of three separate RNC patrol cars.
It was after those collisions that the suspect fled and allegedly carjacked a Pontiac van — and inside that vehicle was a woman and her two kids. She was able to get her kids out of the car and all three of them were uninjured, according to the RNC.
The suspect then headed toward the Outer Ring Road, and then drove west on the Trans-Canada Highway, heading back into the RCMP's jurisdiction and attempting to ram a marked RCMP police vehicle, according to the police. The press release says a spike belt was used to stop the Pontiac, and the driver fled into a residence in Colliers, where he was apprehended with the help of the RCMP's dog services team.
Safety warning
The RCMP had asked residents of Colliers to stay in their homes or business, but a few minutes later, issued a media release stating the man was in custody.
Roncalli Central High School was placed in secure school mode for a period of time.
The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District told CBC News that the school returned to normal once the suspect was placed in custody.
The man is facing several charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, robbery, three counts of assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, fleeing from police and multiple breaches of court orders.
Police are also speaking with the passenger in the Sedona. He was not arrested, but police say his involvement remains under investigation.
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