News release

Clarenville RCMP recover stolen vehicle, man charged with flight from police and possession of stolen property

December 22, 2025 - Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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Clarenville RCMP arrested 36-year-old Phillip Verge on Saturday, after a call about a stolen vehicle resulted in a flight from police and the recovery of stolen property.

On December 20th, 2025, Clarenville RCMP received a complaint of a motor vehicle being operated without the consent of the owner. Officers began patrols in the Clarenville area and located the vehicle on Manitoba Drive. A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver fled from police at a high rate of speed.

In the interest of police and public safety, the officers did not pursue and alerted neighbouring detachments and Traffic Services to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

A short time later, the vehicle and driver were located by police in the community of St. Jones Within. The driver, 36-year-old Phillip Verge of St. John’s, was arrested without incident. A search after the arrest also resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of suspected crack cocaine.

Verge faces numerous charges under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) including:

• Flight from peace officer,
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,
• Taking vehicle without consent,
• Possession of property obtain by crime,
• Breach of a Release Order,
• Failure to comply with Probation Order,
• Identity fraud,
• Obstruction of a police officer,
• Possession of a controlled substance – cocaine.

Additionally, he was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for failing to remain stopped until permitted to depart, operating while suspended and driving without consideration.

Verge was held in custody and made his first appearance in Clarenville Provincial Court today (December 22). He was remanded into custody by the courts and is expected to appear in court next on Tuesday December 23.

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