34-year-old Stephen Hillier of Bonne Bay was arrested following a traffic stop by RCMP Traffic Services West yesterday after he fled from police in a car.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., police attempted to stop a car at the intersection of George Aaron Drive and Route 430. Hillier, who was the lone occupant, increased the vehicle's speed and fled from police. He turned onto Rocky Brook Road, abandoned the vehicle on private property and fled on foot. An officer conducted a foot chase near Reidville Road and Hillier was safely taken into police custody. A large amount of cash was located and seized from Hillier and a quantity of suspected cocaine, which was also seized, was located in the abandoned car. RCMP Police Dog Services attended the scene and assisted with a search of the area.
Hillier remained in custody overnight and appears in Corner Brook Provincial Court this afternoon to face criminal charges including:
- Flight from police
- Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Breach of a court order
- is currently before the court for a number of driving-related charges and for assaulting a police officer stemming from an incident that happened on October 16, 2020, with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Corner Brook.
The investigation is continuing.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.