Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Following a report of a dangerous driver in Trout River on January 3, 2025, 59-year-old Lawrence Clarke of Corner Brook, was arrested by Rocky Harbour RCMP.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on January 3, police received a report indicating that a pickup truck nearly struck a pedestrian in Trout River and was speeding through the town. A further report indicated that the driver of the truck exited the vehicle with a baseball bat in hand and had an altercation with another individual. Additional information received indicated that the man was possibly in possession of a firearm.
The described vehicle was located by Rocky Harbour RCMP, parked at a commercial property in Trout River. The driver, Lawrence Clarke, was arrested without further incident. A loaded handgun was located and seized from inside the truck.
Clarke was recently charged with a number of criminal offences that occurred in both Clarenville and Lewisporte area, including dangerous operation, uttering threats, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and breaching a condition of a release order. He was released on a number of conditions. Clarke appeared in court this past weekend, was remanded into custody and is set to appear in court later today.
In relation to this incident, Clarke is charged with the following criminal offences:
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm and ammunition in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Failure to comply with a condition of a release order – two counts
The investigation is continuing with further charges possible.
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.