On October 25, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., Bay Roberts RCMP responded to a complaint from a citizen concerning a possible impaired driver.
Police located the suspect vehicle in Spaniards Bay, travelling south on Route 70. An officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, however the driver failed to stop for police and fled at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue the vehicle. A short time later, an officer located the suspect vehicle on a residential street in Bay Roberts. The officer conducted a roadside stop and attempted to arrest the driver. The driver then struck the police cruiser with his vehicle and fled at a high rate of speed. Later that evening, the same vehicle was involved in a collision in St. John's and the driver was arrested by the RNC.
Bay Roberts RCMP have since charged 33-year-old Adam Whalen with flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving while prohibited, fail to stop at an accident scene, mischief, and two counts of breaching a probation order. He appeared in court on October 26 and was remanded in custody pending a court appearance on October 28. Mr. Whalen is facing further charges from the RNC in St. John's.
RCMP NL thanks the public for their tip and encourage motorists to report suspected impaired drivers.