PEI RCMP arrest Wellington Man After Forcible Confinement Incident and Fleeing Police

A 31-year-old Wellington man has been arrested after PEI RCMP responded to a call of a woman being held at gunpoint.

On Monday, July 29, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., East Prince RCMP responded to a caller stating she believed her daughter was being held against her will by a man reported to be carrying a firearm. Police were told the two individuals were at a residence in St. Raphael, PEI. RCMP attended the residence but the man and woman had left the scene. A pellet rifle was found in the driveway of the residence.

East Prince RCMP then received further information the suspect and the woman were at another residence nearby in the St. Raphael area. While awaiting additional support from East Prince RCMP, the officer at this second residence noted the two individuals fleeing once again. Police were quickly able to contain the two on the Ferry Road in Central Lot 16, where they left their vehicle and fled along the beach, eventually breaking into a cottage nearby. At this time, Police Joint Forces Operations (JFO) were engaged including Summerside Police and Kensington Police, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP drones and an RCMP Crisis Negotiator. This team had the area fully contained, and the suspect surrendered without further incident. The woman came with police who provided a physical assessment, and she was deemed to be unharmed.

PEI RCMP expect to lay several charges against the man including forcible confinement, assault, weapons offences, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, break and enter, as well as flight from Police. "Being able to bring numerous resources to bear on a situation like this, once again proves the effectiveness of cooperation amongst police forces on PEI," said Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer PEI RCMP. "The ability to quickly contain this incident, and have it come to a safe conclusion with no harm to anyone showcases how Police effectively work to maintain public safety. The training and abilities of all the police officers involved played a key role in the outcome today," added Lewis.