(St. John’s, NL) January 19, 2026 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has made an arrest following a break and enter and vehicle theft that triggered a shelter-in-place in St. John’s.
On Friday (Jan. 16) at approximately 8 p.m., Operational Patrol Services responded to a break and enter at a residence on Riverside Drive West where a man had entered the home, presented a weapon, demanded cash and a vehicle, and fled the area. There were no injuries.
Minutes later, officers located a vehicle matching the description of that reported stolen travelling towards Mount Pearl and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled from police; in the interest of public safety there was no vehicle pursuit. The unoccupied stolen vehicle was located in the median of the Trans-Canada Highway near Cochrane Pond shortly before 8:30 p.m.
The Tactics and Rescue Unit and Police Dog Services were engaged to assist in locating the driver who was believed to have fled on foot, triggering a shelter-in-place for the area. Police Dog Paige recovered a number of items including a firearm nearby.
The shelter-in-place was lifted just before midnight.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 17), 24-year-old Rylee Rideout was arrested at his home without incident. He was held in custody to appear in court on charges of:
- Break and enter
- Using a firearm or imitation in the commission of an offence
- Careless use of a firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Disguise with intent
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Flight from police
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Breach of a release order
To report suspicious activity, call the RNC at 709-729-8000. Crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911. To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.
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File # 2026-3586
Cst. Stephanie Myers, #874
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
709-729-8658