FLASH BANGS AND ARMOURED VEHICLE USED IN DOWNTOWN POLICE OPERATION

(May 21)

A police operation unfolded in downtown St. John’s on Thursday morning (May 21) after tactical officers descended on a home on Spencer Street.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., members of the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Tactics & Rescue Unit (TRU), RNC K9, and the RCMP Tactical Armoured Vehicle (TAV) surrounded the property, shutting down the street as the operation got underway.

Officers used the TAV’s breaching ram system to force entry through the front door, while also smashing a lower-level window. Multiple diversionary devices, commonly referred to as flash bangs, were also deployed before officers began giving commands for the occupants to exit the home.

At least five individuals were seen leaving the residence during the operation. At least two of those individuals appeared to be placed in handcuffs and escorted to a police vehicle. At this time the RNC says twelve people vacated the property.

The RNC also confirmed this was an execution of a search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation by the Weapons and Drug Enforcement Unit.

Tactical officers cleared the area at approximately 1:00 p.m., though some officers remained on scene as the search of the home continued.

The investigation is ongoing with charges pending, no charges have been officially announced at this time.