News release

Holyrood RCMP arrest man for impaired operation, uttering threats

December 16, 2025 - Holyrood, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

Content

Holyrood RCMP charged a 36-year-old driver with multiple Criminal Code offences, including refusal to comply with a demand and uttering threats, after he crashed his vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway Monday evening.

At approximately 7:20 p.m. on December 15, 2025, Holyrood RCMP officers responded to multiple reports from concerned motorists about a sport utility vehicle (SUV) off the road near the Witless Bay Line exit of the Trans-Canada Highway. Callers who stopped and attempted to assist the motorist told police the driver was aggressive and possibly under the influence of alcohol.

Officers located the vehicle as described by the callers, and the man behind the wheel of the vehicle was identified by police. He showed signs of intoxication and was found in possession of open liquor containers.

The driver — a 36-year-old Colinet man ­— was arrested and provided with a demand for a breath sample. He refused and was transported to the Holyrood detachment. During his interaction with police, the man also uttered threats against the responding officers.

He now faces charges of failure or refusal to comply with a demand, uttering threats and failure to comply with conditions of his Release Order. The vehicle he was driving was seized by officers and impounded. He was later released from custody on conditions and is expected to appear in provincial court on January 30, 2026.

RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador thanks the motorists who reported their concerns. By taking action and reporting a suspected impaired driver you made our community safer and may have prevented a tragedy on our roadways. If you suspect an impaired driver or see a driver who is an immediate threat to road safety, call 9-1-1.

Refusing to comply with a demand issued as part of an impaired operation investigation is a criminal offence.  If convicted, this offence carries the same penalties as a charge of impaired operation.

Contacts