Four individuals, 28-year-old Josh Weir, 40-year-old Michelle Peters, 43-year-old Matthew Lawrence and 41-year-old Darryl Quilty, were arrested and are now charged in relation to a break, enter and theft that occurred at the Community Credit Union in Witless Bay on May 14, 2023.
A stolen excavator was used to access the bank and an ATM, containing a substantial amount of cash, was stolen from inside. A stolen pick-up truck, also used during this crime, was located the next day destroyed by fire.
The RCMP East District General Investigation Section (GIS) was engaged to conduct the investigation which led to the arrests and charges laid.
Weir and Peters were arrested at a traffic stop that took place on May 16, 2023, in Sunnyside where Weir was observed operating a motorcycle in a dangerous manner. Upon arrest, both were found in possession of suspected stolen cash and quantities of cocaine.
Later that evening, East District GIS entered a residence in Conception Bay South with a warrant to search. Inside the home officers located and seized $25,000.00 of the suspected stolen cash, 16 long guns, which were not properly stored, and a quantity of ammunition.
Matthew Lawrence was arrested on June 17, 2023. Darryl Quilty was served a notice of his charges and upcoming court appearance last week.
Weir, who had an outstanding arrest warrant with the RNC, has been remanded into custody since his arrest. He is charged with the following criminal offences:
- Break and Enter
- Theft over $5000.00
- Mischief over $5000.00
- Theft of a motor vehicle – two counts
- Arson
- Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking cocaine
Peters, Quilty and Lawrence are each charged with the following criminal offences:
- Break and Enter
- Theft over $5000.00
- Mischief over $5000.00
- Theft of a motor vehicle – two counts
- Arson
All four are set to attend court on September 7, 2023.
The motorcycle Weir was operating at the time of his arrest was seized as part of the investigation, believed to be the proceeds of crime. A search of a second home, located in St. John's, was conducted on June 19, 2023, and resulted in the seizure of further evidence in support of the charges laid against these four individuals.
The investigation is continuing.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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