Holyrood RCMP recover stolen ATV, charge man after police flight
Community Safety Alert for Newfoundland and Labrador
Holyrood RCMP have recovered a stolen all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and charged a man after an incident that began with a theft report in Avondale and led to a police encounter in Colliers and an arrest in Middle Arm. The events unfolded on the evening of Saturday, May 16, 2026, and involved a high-speed attempt to flee from police on the stolen ATV.
Police say a 42-year-old man from the area was taken into custody after he was located pushing the stolen ATV when it ran out of fuel later that same night. He now faces multiple criminal charges, including alleged breaches of probation and offences related to the theft and operation of the ATV, and is scheduled to appear in provincial court in June 2026.
Official RCMP Incident Details
According to the official report from Holyrood RCMP, officers were first alerted when a resident of Avondale reported that their ATV had been stolen on May 16, 2026. The all-terrain vehicle was later spotted the same evening by an officer on Cemetery Road in Colliers, being operated by a man who allegedly tried to hide his face when he noticed police and then sped away at a high rate of speed.
Officers conducted patrols throughout the surrounding area for several hours. Shortly before 11:30 p.m., police located the same individual in the community of Middle Arm, where he was reportedly pushing the stolen ATV because it had run out of gasoline. At that point, police arrested him without further incident.
The man was identified as 42-year-old Justin Phillips. Following his arrest, he was charged in connection with the stolen vehicle and his actions during the encounter with police.
Charges Laid
The accused, Justin Phillips (42), has been charged with the following offences:
- Failure to comply with a probation order
- Possession of property obtained by crime (the stolen ATV)
- Theft of a motor vehicle (the ATV reported stolen from Avondale)
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (alleged high-speed and unsafe operation of the ATV)
- Flight from police (allegedly fleeing after being observed by an officer in Colliers)
Police report that Phillips was released from custody on strict conditions imposed by the court. He is expected to appear in provincial court in June 2026 to answer to these charges. The investigation remains active, and additional details could emerge as it proceeds.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident in the Holyrood area highlights several important community safety issues for residents across Newfoundland and Labrador. The combination of a stolen off-road vehicle, alleged dangerous driving, and an attempt to flee police significantly increases the risk of harm to pedestrians, other motorists, and bystanders. ATV and other off-road vehicle thefts can be a gateway to further offences, especially when these vehicles are driven at high speeds on public roads or near populated areas.
We encourage residents to secure ATVs and similar vehicles by using quality locks, storing them out of sight when possible, and documenting serial numbers and unique markings. Promptly reporting suspicious activity—such as unfamiliar individuals lingering around vehicles, unusual late-night engine noise, or ATVs operating unsafely—is crucial to early intervention by police. While this specific incident occurred in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, similar property and vehicle-related offences affect communities across Canada; examining local crime statistics, such as those available for regions like Harley, Ontario crime and safety data, can help residents understand broader trends and the importance of timely reporting.
CrimeCanada.ca’s mission is to support safer communities by making official police information more accessible and by encouraging residents to stay observant, work with law enforcement, and take practical steps to protect their property. Continued vigilance and cooperation with police help reduce opportunities for theft and dangerous driving incidents involving off-road vehicles.
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.