Community Safety Alert: Two Men Charged After Reported Armed Robbery in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Section 1: Overview of the Incident

In the early morning hours of March 14, 2026, Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP responded to a reported robbery and assault at a residence on Courte Manche Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. Two men, known to the victim, are alleged to have forced their way into the home, assaulted a resident, and threatened the occupants while brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.

Following an investigation that unfolded throughout the day, police arrested Samuel Craig Blake, 35, and Craig Best, 41. Both men are now facing multiple serious charges, including robbery and firearms-related offences. Officers also recovered an imitation handgun from a vehicle linked to the suspects. The investigation remains active, and both accused have been remanded in custody pending further court appearances.

Section 2: Official Incident Details

According to RCMP, the incident began around 5:40 a.m. on March 14, 2026, when officers were dispatched to a home on Courte Manche Street after a report of a robbery and assault. It is alleged that two men, who were known to the victim, entered the residence without permission and assaulted one of the occupants while pointing a firearm and uttering threats.

Police obtained the names of the suspects, along with descriptions of both the men and the vehicle they were believed to be driving. Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP, with support from the RCMP Labrador District General Investigation Section and Police Dog Services, began patrols to locate the suspects and the associated vehicle.

Later that evening, officers located the suspect vehicle outside a home on Mesher Street. Police arrested 41-year-old Craig Best at that location without incident. Shortly afterward, another officer located 35-year-old Samuel Craig Blake at a residence on Brett Street, where he was also taken into custody.

During the course of the arrests, officers found and seized an imitation handgun from the suspect vehicle.

Charges Laid

Both Craig Best and Samuel Craig Blake are facing the following charges:

• Break and enter
• Assault with a weapon
• Robbery
• Pointing a firearm

In addition, Craig Best is charged with:

• Uttering threats

Both accused appeared in court over the weekend following their arrests and were remanded into custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday (the day after the RCMP release). The RCMP state that the investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Residents who wish to better understand overall crime patterns in the community can review local data through resources such as the Happy Valley-Goose Bay crime statistics and safety profile, which provide broader context for incidents of robbery, break and enter, and weapons-related offences in the area.

Section 3: CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident underscores the serious risks associated with home invasions and weapons-related crimes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Even when a firearm turns out to be an imitation, the presence of a weapon during a robbery or assault can cause extreme fear, lead to serious injuries, and escalate situations quickly. Community awareness and timely reporting of suspicious behaviour—such as unfamiliar vehicles repeatedly circling residential streets, or unusual activity during late-night or early-morning hours—are critical to preventing similar events.

We encourage residents to prioritize basic home safety measures: keep doors and accessible windows locked, especially overnight; ensure exterior lighting is functional; and consider communicating with trusted neighbours about unusual activity on your street. If you ever witness a crime in progress or believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local RCMP detachment without delay. Non-urgent safety concerns, patterns of intimidation, or suspected criminal behaviour should still be reported, as this information can help police intervene earlier and support a safer community for everyone.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the newfoundland-and-labrador community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.