Suspects steal safe in Bay Roberts, arrested following crash on Trans-Canada Highway

The RCMP are investigating a break, enter and theft from a local medical clinic in Bay Roberts.

Two men were arrested and a safe containing a large sum of cash and a firearm were recovered by police after the stolen truck they were driving crashed near Foxtrap Access Road on Friday.

On August 1, shortly before 7:30 a.m. police responded to a report of a break and enter into a medical clinic on the Conception Bay Highway in Bay Roberts.

At approximately 45 minutes later, an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a pickup truck travelling at an excessive speed eastbound along the Trans-Canada Highway near Soldier’s Pond. The vehicle failed to stop for police and later crashed along the Foxtrap Access Road.

The two occupants of the vehicle fled on foot. The passenger was taken into custody a short distance away by police, while the driver fled into the wooded area.

An area of containment was established, and a public advisory was issued by RCMP, advising the public of a police operation underway.

After several hours, the second suspect was taken into custody.

The dark-coloured newer model Ford F-150 pickup truck had been reported as stolen to the Burin Peninsula RCMP from the Terrenceville area on July 6. A safe connected to the break and enter in Bay Roberts, which contained a large sum of cash, was recovered from the stolen truck. Police also seized a firearm during their search of the vehicle.

Orjal Sako, 32, and Changath Lam, 20, have each been charged with:

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

• Careless use of firearm

• Carrying a concealed firearm

• Unauthorized possession of firearm

• Possession of firearm knowing possession is unauthorized

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle

Sako faces additional charges of flight from police and failure to comply with his release order.

The investigation is continuing, with additional charges possible.

Bay Roberts RCMP is asking the public to check for any possible surveillance footage obtained in the area of the Conception Bay Highway, between Barracks Lane and Cross Road, between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on Friday August 1, and to report any suspicious activity to police.