Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP arrests one woman after responding to firearms complaint

July 22, 2026 - Whitbourne, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP arrested a 48-year-old woman on Monday afternoon after officers and the Emergency Response Team responded to a reported assault and firearms complaint in Branch. Petrina Nash faces five Criminal Code charges including assault, uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. 

Shortly before 2:00 p.m. on July 20, Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP received a report of a disturbance at a residence in Branch. One victim reported being assaulted by a woman, and when police made contact with the suspect, she threatened further violence. A witness nearby reported seeing the suspect standing outside with a firearm. 

Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP officers and the RCMP Emergency Response Team were dispatched to the home. When police arrived, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. A pellet gun was located and seized during the arrest.

Petrina Nash, 48, was held in custody to appear in Harbour Grace Provincial Court today. She is charged with: 

• Assault
• Uttering threats – two counts
• Mischief under $5,000
• Possessing a weapon or imitation for a dangerous purpose

The investigation remains ongoing at this time. 

Unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a weapon without proper authorization and making threats involving a firearm are serious offences that pose a significant risk to public and police safety. Any report involving a firearm is taken seriously and treated as a priority by the RCMP, and individuals found in violation of firearms legislation may face charges under the Criminal Code and Firearms Act. If you witness illegal firearms activity, call 911 to make a report. 

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