RCMP respond to auto theft and assault in Bay St. George region

Stefan King of Stephenville Crossing has been arrested by police after they received a report of a robbery and theft of a motor vehicle in the area of Main Street in St. George’s last Thursday.

The incident began when a woman exited her home to confront a man she observed in the truck bed of her vehicle. Two residents were searching the area for the same male, who they believed had attempted to steal a nearby off-road vehicle. The two residents intervened in an attempt to ensure the safety of the woman and de-escalate the situation.

The suspect assaulted one of the men before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Both men were struck by the stolen vehicle, and one man was dragged as the suspect fled the area. The men were treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and continue to recover at home.

At about 2:23 a.m., police received a report of a single-vehicle crash involving the stolen pickup truck on Brook Street in Stephenville Crossing. Officers responded to the scene, identified the suspect as King, and located him inside a residence.

King did not comply with police commands and was ultimately taken into police custody following a struggle and the deployment of a taser. He was transported to hospital as a precaution and medically cleared for incarceration.

King was held in custody to appear in court on Friday. He was remanded by the courts and is expected to make his next appearance in court on December 8.

The 23-year-old was charged with robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, assault with a weapon, five counts of assault on a police officer, four counts of resisting arrest, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

More charges are possible as the investigation continues.