RCMP RELEASE MORE DETAILS AFTER HEARTS DELIGHT INCIDENT

(Nov 10th)

A 34-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday morning following a multi-detachment RCMP operation in the Trinity-Conception area involving the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Police Dog Services and several other specialized units.

Lewis George Sooley was taken into custody at a residence in Heart’s Delight shortly before 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, following an investigation into a reported theft from a vehicle and an incident involving a police vehicle.

On November 9, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Harbour Grace RCMP responded to a report of a theft from a motor vehicle parked along Route 80 between Heart’s Desire and Heart’s Content.

Police identified a suspect and began patrols of the area. An officer later located the suspect, who was known to police as a prohibited driver, behind the wheel of a vehicle.

When the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to comply with police demands, struck the police vehicle and fled at a high rate of speed.

The officer was not injured in the collision. Police did not pursue the vehicle due to concerns for public and police safety.

A public advisory was subsequently issued as officers from Harbour Grace, Bay Roberts and Whitbourne RCMP detachments, along with the RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Response Team (ERT), Crime Reduction Unit East (CRUE) and Police Dog Services (PDS), arrived to assist with the operation.

Just before 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, officers located Sooley at a residence in Heart’s Delight. Police obtained a warrant to enter the home, and he was taken into custody without further incident with assistance from the ERT.

Sooley is expected to appear in Harbour Grace Provincial Court Tuesday to face Criminal Code charges of flight from police, assaulting a police officer with a weapon, unlawful operation of a conveyance while prohibited and dangerous operation of a conveyance.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges are possible.