Two men arrested by RCMP following assault and threats involving firearms

The RCMP has arrested two men, 30-year-old Steven Burton of Chapel Arm and 27-year-old Justin Leonard of Placentia. Both are facing a number of serious charges.

On Saturday morning, Whitbourne RCMP received a report of an assault that had occurred on Friday morning. The victim, who thought he was joining the two men for a moose hunting trip, was lured into a wooded area and was threatened and assaulted. Firearms were used in the commission of the crimes.

The RCMP East District General Investigation Section was engaged and Burton and Leonard were arrested on Saturday evening. Police seized a cell phone for further examination following the arrest of Burton.

A search warrant was executed at a residence in Placentia on Sunday, resulting in the seizure of two firearms.

Burton and Leonard attended court via teleconference on Sunday and were remanded into custody.

Each are charged with the following criminal offences:

• Assault with a weapon

• Uttering threats

• Careless use of a firearm

• Using a firearm in the commission of an offence

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized

Both attended court on Monday and were further remanded. Their next court appearance is on Thursday.

The investigation is continuing with further charges anticipated.