(St. John’s, NL) December 22, 2025 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has made arrests connected to a stolen vehicle and dangerous driving on the Northeast Avalon.
Yesterday (Dec. 21) just before 10:30 a.m., Operational Patrol Services observed a stolen vehicle being driven in the area of Empire Avenue West. A traffic stop was initiated however, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was terminated due to the risk to public safety.
A spike belt was deployed at the Commonwealth Avenue and Topsail Road intersection but the driver continued to travel erratically through Mount Pearl and Paradise at which time it drove in the wrong direction on the Trans-Canada Highway near Donovan’s Industrial Park, narrowly avoiding multiple collisions with oncoming traffic.
When conditions allowed, officers safely contained the vehicle on Kenmount Road and brought it to a stop. The male driver and male passenger took off on foot but were quickly apprehended. A 40-year-old female passenger was charged on an outstanding warrant and taken into custody.
The driver, 44-year-old Darrell Phelan was held to appear in court today on charges of:
- Possession of stolen property
- Dangerous driving
- Flight from police
- Resisting arrest
- Forcible confinement
- Impaired driving
- Refusing to provide a sample
- Driving while prohibited
- Breach of a release order
- Breach of a probation order
Additionally, a Summary Offence Ticket was issued for having open alcohol in the vehicle.
Anyone with information to assist the investigation 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.
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File # 2025-88925
Cst. Stephanie Myers, #874
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
709-729-8658