(St. John’s, NL) August 20, 2025 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has laid charges following a weekend shooting in the town of Paradise.
Ashton Whelan, 21, will appear in court today on charges of:
- Attempted Murder
- Discharging a firearm with intent
- Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Robbery
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of firearm knowing it is unauthorized.
- Unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a weapon obtained by crime
- Careless use, storage, and handling of a firearm
- Contravention of use/storage of firearms regulations
- Three counts of property damage
- Breach of a release order
Operational Patrol Services responded to a commercial area on the corner of Carlisle Drive and Topsail Road just after 2 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 17) where they determined a number of shots had been fired. A suspect vehicle fled the area before police arrived and was recovered Monday morning abandoned in downtown St. John’s.
There were no injuries. This was a targeted event and the RNC believe other people were involved.
The Major Crime Unit is looking to identify and speak with the occupants of a green Ford Bronco that was in the area of the parking garage at St. John’s City Hall between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. Sunday as they may have information to assist the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000. To report anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.
-30-
File # 2025-56575
Public Communications Office
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca