Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP responds to firearm complaint, one man arrested

October 9, 2026 - Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

Content

Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP arrested a 23-year-old man early this morning after receiving a report of a man firing a weapon in St. Bride’s. Donald McGrath faces five Criminal Code charges including careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and uttering threats. 

On October 9 around 1:40 a.m., officers from Placentia-Whitbourne RCMP were called to a residence in St. Bride’s after receiving a report of a man making threats and firing a weapon into the air. Officers from Clarenville, Avalon East District and Trinity-Conception District RCMP also responded to the scene.

Donald McGrath, 23, was initially uncooperative but ultimately was arrested by police without incident. Officers also seized a firearm and ammunition from the property.

Due to the involvement of a firearm, the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) was also deployed to area, but the incident was resolved prior to their arrival.

McGrath was held in custody overnight and appeared in Provincial Court this morning, October 9, to answer to charges of:

• Careless use of a firearm,
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm,
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose,
• Uttering threats against a person,
• Failure to comply with conditions of a release order.

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Tuesday.  

The investigation is continuing at this time, with additional charges possible.

Contacts