St. John's: Man charged with 8 offences after firearm report

A 26-year-old man faces eight charges after police responded to a reported assault involving a firearm at Memorial University in St. John's on Nov. 8. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said officers later arrested the man and seized an imitation firearm.

Police said patrol officers responded at about 10:45 a.m. after an altercation in which a man had brandished a firearm. The victim suffered minor injuries, and the suspect had left in a vehicle. The two people were acquaintances, according to police.

With help from Campus Enforcement, officers identified the suspect, police said. The RNC's Tactics and Rescue Unit was called in for a high-risk arrest. Police contained a home in Logy Bay and took the 26-year-old into custody without incident at about 3 p.m.

On Nov. 9, the Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant and seized an imitation firearm, the RNC said. Police identified the accused as Ryan Mackenzie, of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove.

Charges and police appeal

Mackenzie has been charged with:

• Pointing a firearm
• Robbery with a firearm
• Using a firearm to commit an indictable offence
• Careless use of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Assault with a weapon
• Uttering threats

The RNC asks anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it directly to police at 709-729-8000. Crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911. The file number is 2026-73354.