Wanted man refuses to exit residence in Port aux Basques, arrested by RCMP

Wanted man 44-year-old Leon Francis was arrested by Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP after a lengthy stand off yesterday afternoon at a residence in Port aux Basques.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, police attended a residence on Savoury’s Lane after learning that Francis was inside the home. Francis refused to exit and barricaded himself inside. An increased police presence, including RCMP Police Dog Services and RCMP officers from Channel-Port aux Basques and Bay St. George detachments, remained in the area while negotiations were conducted. Additional resources, including the RCMP Emergency Response Team and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Tactics and Rescue Unit, were engaged, however the incident was resolved prior to their arrival.

Following lengthy negotiations, shortly after 5:30 p.m., Francis exited the home and presented himself to police. He was arrested without further incident and was held in police custody overnight. His arrest warrant was executed and he appears in court today to answer to his outstanding criminal charges of:

Criminal harassment – three counts

Harassing communications

Uttering threats – two counts

Failing to comply with a release order – two counts