A 20-year-old New Harbour man was arrested and will be charged for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police following an incident that happened on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) on September 2, 2020.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., officers from RCMP Traffic Services East were on patrol on the TCH near Long Harbour conducting traffic enforcement. An officer observed a Volkswagon Jetta traveling west at a high rate of speed and obtained a radar reading of 176 km/h. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, which increased its speed and refused to stop for police. The car continued west, passing other motorists in a dangerous manner. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue the vehicle but did provide a description of the vehicle to other officers in nearby detachments.
Officers from Traffic Services and Placentia Detachment set up containment in the area. A short time later, police located both the driver and his vehicle in a secluded area near Placentia Junction.
The driver was arrested and has since been released from custody. His license has been suspended and his vehicle was seized and impounded. He is scheduled to appear in Harbour Grace Provincial Court on October 14, 2020.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.