Some unsettled weather across the province this morning
For the Avalon Peninsula and central areas of the province, there is a chance of drizzle early this morning, and we will see sun and cloud this afternoon. Along the south coast, there is some drizzle and fog this morning, which will give way to sun and clouds this afternoon. There is a chance of showers this afternoon on the West Coast. The Great Northern Peninsula will be mostly cloudy. Temperatures will range from 13 to 26°C; the warmest temperatures will be inland. Humidex values will be near 30.
Western Labrador will see showers move in later in the afternoon, with about 2 to 4 mm expected; there is also the risk of a thunderstorm. Elsewhere in Labrador, it will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. There will be quite the temperature contrast with highs ranging from 9 to 24°C.
Three vehicles seized on the Northern Peninsula during week-long traffic safety patrol
Police seized three vehicles and issued over two dozen tickets for violations of the Highway Traffic Act during a recent traffic safety campaign on the Northern Peninsula.
Between July 22-25, Traffic Services West patrolled Route 430 and the communities of the Northern Peninsula for excessive speed, impaired operation, unsafe drivers and other traffic violations.
On July 23, officers seized and impounded three vehicles. The first driver, a 37-year-old man, was found to be operating without insurance during a traffic stop along Route 430 in Cormack.
Another driver, a 59-year-old man was suspected of operating while impaired, after he was stopped for driving with a cracked windshield. The man provided a breath sample roadside that was above the provincial limit, but below the criminal threshold for impaired driving. His vehicle was seized and impounded. The man was also ticketed for operating an unregistered vehicle.
A third driver, a 61-year-old man was stopped north of Eddie’s Cove, after police observed him travelling 144 km/hr in a 90 km/hr zone. The driver was ticketed for excessive speeding, his license was suspended, and the vehicle was seized and impounded.
Traffic Services officers issued 21 additional tickets for violations under the Highway Traffic Act, including 11 for speeding.
RNC seize firearms, make arrest in York Harbour
The RNC have charged a man in connection with firearms offences in York Harbour.
Police visited a residence in York Harbour in connection with an ongoing investigation related to firearms offences. A search warrant was executed on the property, resulting in the seizure of illegal firearms.
A 49-year-old male from York Harbour has been charged with the following offences:
- Careless use of a firearm
- Contravention of use, storage, handling and transport regulations
- Possession at an unauthorized location
- Possession of a prohibited (and restricted) firearm with ammunition
The accused has been released from custody to appear in Provincial Court on a later date.
Search of property leads to arrests
The RNC made an arrest following the execution of a search warrant in St. John’s.
Shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday, July 18, police went to a home on Druken Crescent in order to execute a search warrant in relation to an ongoing investigation. A male exited the home, and police proceeded to conduct a search of the property.
Some of the items seized in connection with the investigation were:
- Molotov cocktail
- Gas cans and containers with holes placed
- Twelve jerry cans filled with gas
- Butane canisters
- Ammonium nitrate (explosive precursor)
- Paramount burner fuel canisters
- Ammunition
- Various pills
- Flame thrower torch
- Propane tank with torch, seven hand-ties, two mouth gags, bottle of pins
The following have been arrested and charged in connection with this investigation:
Tyler Downey, 29, of St. John’s
- Two counts of possession of explosives intending bodily harm
- Two counts of possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose
- Two counts of using explosives with intent
- Two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of incendiary material
- Two counts of failure to comply with a release order
Scott Whalen, 44, of Mobile
- Arson
- Possession of incendiary material
- Using explosives with intent
- Possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Both accused were held in custody to appear in Provincial Court in relation to the charges.
This investigation remains active, and anyone with information to assist is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000.
RNC promoting personal safety
As festival season continues on the Northeast Avalon, the RNC is encouraging residents to look out for one another especially where alcohol and drugs are involved.
Substances can affect decision-making and lower awareness, which may increase the risk of harm. Whether you’re at a party, bar, or beach, plan ahead and have open conversations with friends.
Here’s a few simple tips to help you stay safe while being social:
- Agree to a buddy system. Stick with people you trust.
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends and family.
- Keep your belongings secure at all times.
- Watch your drink being made and do not leave it unattended.
- Know your limit. Obtain medical assistance immediately for anyone displaying symptoms of illness or loss of consciousness.
- Do not drive impaired. Arrange a sober ride home, get a cab or book a ride-share.
- Do not accept transportation from an operator of a vehicle that is not connected to a licensed transport service, or not confirmed through the use of a ride-share application.
RCMP ticket excessive speeder
An 18-year-old woman was stopped for excessive speeding by RCMP Traffic Services East on Friday.
On July 25, police observed a vehicle travelling at speeds up to 167 km/hr in a 100 km/hr zone on the Trans-Canada Highway near Butter Pot Park. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was ticketed for excessive speeding. Her license was suspended and the vehicle was impounded.
Man facing multiple charges after RCMP respond to disturbance, execute search warrant
Clarenville RCMP arrested 27-year-old Ashton Robert White on July 23 after responding to a disturbance at home in Clarenville. White now faces 18 charges, including assault, uttering threats and firearms-related offences.
On Wednesday, police were called to a residence in Clarenville in response to a possible assault. White had left the home, but was located by Clarenville RCMP, arrested and held in custody. Officers also searched a cabin in Princeton on Friday as part of the active investigation. During the search, police located and seized a number of firearms.
White is currently being held in custody, and faces 9 weapons-related charges and 10 additional criminal charges of:
- Assault while choking
- Assault – 3 counts
- Uttering threats
- Counsel to commit suicide
- Mischief under $5,000
- Failure to comply with a release order (2)
The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges possible.
White will appear in Clarenville Provincial Court this afternoon.
Police seize ATV after crash near Gull Island
A 66-year-old woman is the focus of an impaired operation investigation being carried out by the Harbour Grace RCMP after reports of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash Sunday afternoon near Gull Island.
Shortly before 1:00 p.m. on July 27, police responded to a report of an ATV in a ditch, with the operator underneath. The operator, a 66-year-old female, was transported to hospital and showed signs of alcohol impairment. Blood samples were collected and police are waiting on the results to determine if charges of impaired operation are appropriate.
The ATV was seized and impounded.
Corey Snook, charged with 1st-degree murder, remains in custody after bail hearing
Murder charges have been laid in connection with last week’s shooting death in the capital city. The suspect was remanded into custody this morning. Now, police are looking for the publics help in putting together a precise timeline of events.
48-year-old Corey Snook appeared in St. John’s provincial court Tuesday morning by video link. He was remanded into custody, and is being held indefinitely. He’s charged with first-degree murder, breach of release orders, and multiple firearms offences.
Last Thursday on Salter Place in the west end of St. John’s A 30-year-old man was found dead inside a home with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. Police told residents in several neighbourhoods to shelter in place while they tracked the suspect.
Police are looking for your help, and to get in contact with the RNC if you have video footage in the area of Salter Place, and Columbus Drive to Gros Morne Place, between 9:30AM and 11:30AM on Thursday morning.
Hogan and Abbott to present Seniors of Distinction Awards
There will be an awards ceremony today to honour seniors of distinction.
Premier John Hogan and Minister of Seniors John Abbott will present the Annual Seniors of Distinction Award.
The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Emera Innovation Exchange in St. John’s and will be streamed live on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s YouTube channel.
NTV News Features
Inside Story: Danny Williams writes prime minister opposing Churchill Falls MOU
Former premier Danny Williams has written a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney calling on him not to expedite the Churchill Falls MOU, arguing it’s a bad deal for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Your Community: Regatta Roulette coming up Tuesday night
This is Regatta week and tonight in Your Community, Sharon Snow is pond side at Quidi Vidi Lake where she talks all things Regatta, including Regatta Roulette.
Made Right Here: SeaSpun Yarn & Coffee House
Danielle Butt visits a unique business in Carbonear.
Reflections: U.S. bases in Newfoundland
Jim Furlong reflects on American military bases in Newfoundland.
Your Community: Bowring Park’s Peter Pan Festival
Tonight, in your community, Sharon Snow tells us about Bowring Park’s Peter Pan Festival coming up August 2nd in Bowring Park.
Inside Story: Karl Wells discusses new memoir ‘Openly Karl’
In tonight’s Inside Story NTV’s Amanda Mews sits down with author Karl Wells, to talk about his candid memoir, ‘Openly Karl’.
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NTV Evening Newshour
Province-wide fire ban lifted
The province-wide outdoor fire ban in Newfoundland and Labrador has been lifted.
A permit to burn is required to burn grass, brush and other materials during Forest Fire Season, in effect until September 30. Permits are free and available at provincial Forest Management District Offices.
A permit to burn is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires, or boil-ups located on or within 300 metres (1,000 feet) of forested land if conducted in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with provincial Forest Fire Regulations.
A person may light an open or outdoor fire within 300 metres of forested land without a permit to burn during Forest Fire Season under the following conditions:
Anyone planning a fire should check Public Reminders for Forest Season and the current Fire Hazard Rating for guidance.
When the fire hazard rating is High, Very High, or Extreme for a region, all permits to burn for that region are suspended. When the rating is Very High or Extreme for a region, open or outdoor fires are not permitted.
Use of gas, kerosene, alcohol, propane or charcoal-burning units is permitted regardless of the fire hazard rating, as long as the unit is not used within 3.5 metres of any woods, brush or other flammable material.
Residents are urged to do everything they can to help prevent forest fires.
To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).