RNC K9 TRACKS SUSPECT AFTER ROBBERY, BREAK-INS & CRASH

(Oct 5th)

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has charged a 31-year-old man following a robbery and multiple break-and-enters in the west end of St. John’s early Saturday morning.

At approximately 4:00 a.m. on October 3, police received a report of a break-and-enter at a residence on Heavy Tree Road. The male suspect had fled prior to police arrival.

While responding, officers located a single-vehicle collision on Heavy Tree Road. The unoccupied vehicle had been reported stolen and had fled from police during an attempted traffic stop earlier in the night. Police believed the vehicle had been operated by the same male suspect involved in the break-and-enter.

While searching for the suspect, police received two additional calls from residences on Heavy Tree Road.

At approximately 4:06 a.m., a second break-and-enter was reported, with a male suspect fleeing with stolen property.

At approximately 4:14 a.m., police received a report of a robbery. A male suspect had entered a residence, where a physical altercation occurred with the homeowner. The homeowner sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect then fled the area on the homeowner’s bicycle.

Police Dog Services tracked the suspect, who was arrested at approximately 4:40 a.m. near Robert E. Howlett Drive following a brief struggle.

The suspect initially provided police with a false name before being identified as 31-year-old Christopher Connors.

During his arrest, Connors was showing signs of impairment and refused a drug recognition examination demand.

Connors was charged with:

- Robbery with violence

- Three counts of theft under $5,000

- Two counts of breaking and entering

- Three counts of mischief

- Assault causing bodily harm

- Assault

- Refusing to provide a sample

- Resisting arrest

- Four counts of possessing property obtained by crime

- Failing to comply with a release order

Connors was also arrested on several outstanding warrants.

He was held to appear in court.

The RNC encourages anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it directly to police at 709-729-8000. Crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911.