(St. John’s, NL) January 2, 2026 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) made an arrest following firearms offences in St. John’s.
On Thursday (Jan. 1) at approximately 10 a.m., Operational Patrol Services responded to a report of a firearms offence at a residence on Barachois Street. Responding officers contained the residence and cleared it with the assistance of the Tactics and Rescue Unit and the RCMP. A male occupant of the residence was arrested without incident. The Criminal Investigation Division and Forensic Identification Services attended to assist the investigation. A search warrant has been executed at the property and a firearm, stun gun, soft body armour, and brass knuckles were seized as part of the ongoing investigation. There were no injuries reported.
Stephen Ash, 41, was held in custody to appear in court on the following charges:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Careless Use/Storage of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Breach of a Firearm Prohibition Order
- Trafficking in Weapons
- Breach of Probation
The RNC asks that criminal activity be reported at 709-729-8000. To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.
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File # 2026-97
Stephanie Myers, #874
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca