On August 14, 2019, Bay Roberts RCMP attempted to initiate a traffic stop with a vehicle in the community of Bay Roberts. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop for police and fled in his vehicle through the community at a very high rate of speed. On August 15, 2019, Bay Roberts RCMP attempted to pull over the same driver, who was operating a different vehicle. Again, the driver fled from police in his vehicle, this time through the parking lot of the Bay Roberts Mall, at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous manner. In both instances, police did not pursue the vehicle in the interest of public safety.
On August 20, 2019, Bay Roberts RCMP arrested 20-year-old Tyler Barnes of Makinsons. He has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with two counts of flight from police and two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He was also charged under the Highway Traffic Act with two counts of operating a vehicle without a valid insurance policy.
Officers have since seized and impounded his vehicle. Barnes was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Harbour Grace Provincial Court on October 23, 2019.
RCMP NL is committed to improving public safety on the province's roadways and will continue to address aggressive driving behaviors.