News release

Bonavista RCMP officer struck by stolen vehicle fleeing traffic stop, man arrested and charged

September 3, 2025 - Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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UPDATE (September 3, 2025) Through its continued investigation Bonavista RCMP has determined that the 44-year-old male is no longer the prime suspect in the September 2, 2025 assault against a police officer, nor the commercial break and enter reported to police on September 1, 2025.

Although he no longer faces those new criminal charges, he was remanded into custody by the courts in relation to other outstanding criminal matters. He is expected to appear in Clarenville Provincial Court next on September 8, 2025.

The investigation is very active and remains ongoing at this time, as investigators continue to comb through video surveillance and tip information from the public. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bonavista RCMP at 709-468-7333.

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Bonavista RCMP has laid multiple charges, including assault on a police officer with a weapon, against a 44-year-old King’s Cove man. He is connected to a string of property and violent crimes, including a flight from police that resulted in an officer being struck by a motor vehicle early Tuesday morning.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday September 2, 2025, officers with Bonavista RCMP attempted to stop a stolen vehicle that was spotted parked in a driveway in Upper Amherst Cove. The operator fled from police, striking an officer with his vehicle. The officer was not seriously injured.

A second traffic stop was attempted and the vehicle failed to stop for police. In the interest of public safety, the officers did not continue the pursuit.

The stolen vehicle was later located, abandoned, in Knight’s Cove and was seized by police.

He was identified by investigators as the operator of the stolen vehicle. He was located by police just before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and taken into custody without further incident.

The man faces the following criminal charges related to the events that unfolded on September 2:

• Assault on a police officer with a weapon,
• Flight from police – 3 counts,
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

He also faces charges of break and enter (two counts) and possession of break-in instruments in relation to a break and enter at a local restaurant on September 1, 2025.

Anyone with any additional information about these incidents is asked to contact the Bonavista RCMP at 709-468-7333. To share information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

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