Community Alert: Western Bay Break-ins Linked to Armed Suspect

RCMP Connect Nine Break and Enters to Armed Suspicious Persons Call

The RCMP East District General Investigation Section (GIS) and Trinity-Conception RCMP have arrested a 39-year-old man following a report of two suspicious people carrying firearms along Western Bay Line in Western Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. Investigators now believe this man is connected to a series of nine break and enters in the Western Bay area and have laid multiple Criminal Code charges related to property crime and firearms.

The incident began on April 19, 2026, shortly after 12:00 p.m., when a concerned resident contacted police about two individuals walking on Western Bay Line who appeared to be armed and wearing coats resembling Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) uniforms. Officers quickly located the pair using the caller’s information and arrested them without incident, initiating a broader investigation into stolen property, firearms, and area break-ins.

Official RCMP Details

According to police, responding officers found the coats described by the caller and determined they were pieces of a historic RNC uniform. A vehicle associated with the suspects was also located and seized; investigators later confirmed it had been reported stolen to the RNC in Mount Pearl.

As the investigation progressed, RCMP East District GIS searched a property on Western Bay Line and recovered three firearms believed to be stolen. The RCMP Forensic Identification Section and Police Dog Services were brought in to help collect and analyze evidence. A search of the suspects and the vehicle led to the discovery of a significant amount of suspected stolen property, including several historic RNC-issued items.

To date, investigators have linked a total of nine break and enters in the Western Bay area to the suspects.

Accused and Charges

Justin Maxwell Murphy, 39, is currently facing 27 Criminal Code charges, including:

• Break and enter – nine counts
• Mischief under $5,000 – six counts
• Possession of property obtained by crime – two counts
• Possession of a firearm while unauthorized – two counts
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized – two counts
• Possession of a firearm obtained by crime – two counts
• Breaking and entering to steal firearm – two counts
• Use of imitation firearm in the commission of an offence – one count
• Failure to comply with a probation order – one count

Murphy was held in custody and appeared in provincial court on Friday, April 24, 2026. He remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear on April 30, 2026.

A 30-year-old woman who was also arrested at the scene has been released from custody without charges at this time.

The investigation is ongoing in collaboration with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and police indicate that additional charges are expected as they continue to review evidence and link property to reported crimes. For broader regional context on crime trends and safety data in this part of Newfoundland and Labrador, residents can consult crime statistics and safety information for the Trinity (Trinity Bay) area on CrimeCanada.ca.

Public Assistance Requested

RCMP are specifically asking the public in and around Western Bay to assist with the ongoing investigation, particularly those who own seasonal properties.

Seasonal property owners in the Western Bay area are urged to:

• Inspect cabins, cottages, and seasonal homes for any signs of forced entry, damage, or missing items
• Document damage or losses and retain any potential evidence (such as disturbed areas or left-behind items)
• Report all suspicious findings directly to police

Police are also appealing to anyone who may have seen unusual activity or captured relevant footage between April 18 and April 19, 2026. This includes residents, businesses, and travellers with dash cameras or property surveillance systems.

If you have information, surveillance video, or witnessed suspicious activity in the Western Bay area between April 18–19, 2026, contact:

• Harbour Grace RCMP detachment: (709) 596-5014
• Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Online via www.nlcrimestoppers.com
• Using the P3Tips app

Members of the CrimeCanada.ca community in this part of Newfoundland and Labrador play an important role by sharing any information that could help investigators recover stolen property and fully map out the series of break and enters.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this alert highlights the serious impact that break and enters, especially those involving firearms, can have on rural and coastal communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Seasonal properties and remote homes are often targeted because they may be unoccupied for long periods, making them attractive to offenders seeking firearms, tools, and easily transported valuables. Proactive steps such as installing motion-activated lighting or cameras, checking properties regularly during the off-season, and promptly reporting unfamiliar vehicles or people can significantly reduce opportunities for crime. Community members in regions like Trinity-Conception and surrounding bays can further strengthen safety by staying informed about local crime patterns through resources such as crime and safety statistics for Trinity Bay North, and by maintaining close communication with neighbours and local police when suspicious behaviour is observed.

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.