News release

Two charged and three others arrested following home invasion; theft

January 28, 2025 - Sussex, New Brunswick
From: New Brunswick RCMP

Content

A 35-year-old man from Saint John, N.B., and a 36-year-old man from Sussex, N.B., have been charged following a home invasion and theft in Sussex, N.B. A 33-year-old woman from New Line, N.B., a 36-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, both from Saint John, N.B., have also been arrested in connection with this investigation.

On December 28, 2024, at approximately 4:30 a.m., members of the Sussex RCMP responded to a report of a home invasion on Oxford Street, in Sussex. Two individuals entered the home, pointed a firearm at a resident and demanded for his wallet and a phone.  The individuals then fled the scene in a white vehicle, prior to police arrival.

During the investigation, it was determined that the vehicle had been stolen and was involved in a theft at a local business earlier the same day.  

Police conducted patrols of the area and were able to locate the vehicle. As police approached the vehicle with their emergency equipment activated, the driver fled the scene. Shortly after, the driver lost control, left the roadway, and came to a stop in the ditch on Parlee Brook Road in Waterford. Five individuals were located and arrested at the scene without incident. 

Subsequently, police conducted a search of the stolen vehicle and seized several items that were stolen during the home invasion, and from the theft at the local business. Police also seized a conducted energy weapon, a homemade shot gun, bear spray, ammunition, an air pistol, several knives and face masks. 

On December 30, 2024, 35-year-old Kieren Lopez from Saint John, N.B., appeared in Saint John Provincial Court and was charged with:
-Resisting or obstructing a police office
-Flight from police
-Unauthorized possession of a firearm

He was remanded into custody. On January 23, 2025, Kieren Lopez reappeared in Saint John Provincial Court and did not enter a plea. He was once again remanded into custody until his next court appearance on February 6. 

On December 30, 2024, 36-year-old Steven Asselstine from Sussex, N.B., also appeared in Saint John Provincial Court and was charged with:
-Failure to comply with a release order
-Possession of a weapon contrary to an order
-Being unlawfully in a dwelling house
-Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
-Robbery with a firearm
-Careless use of a firearm
-Theft over $5000

He was remanded into custody. On January 22, 2025, Steven Asselstine reappeared in Saint John Provincial Court and did not enter a plea. He was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on January 27. 

The 33-year-old woman from New Line was later released. The 36-year-old man from Saint John will appear in Saint John Provincial Court at a later date. The 39-year-old woman from Saint John was held in custody on an unrelated matter, and will also appear in Saint John Provincial Court at a later date. 

The investigation is ongoing.
 

Contacts

Cpl. Jullie Rogers-Marsh
Sussex Detachment
Southeast District RCMP
rcmpnb.grcnb@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
506-433-7700