A 33-year-old man is in custody following a dramatic arrest in St. John’s that involved both the RNC and RCMP.

It began yesterday afternoon at 1 p.m. when RCMP on the Trans-Canada witnessed a driver speeding eastbound near Middle Gull Pond.

Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated to 175 km/h and fled the scene. The chase was called off due to concerns for public safety.

Twenty minutes later, RNC officers spotted the suspect vehicle speeding near Cochrane Pond. Another attempt at a traffic stop was unsuccessful.

The search led police to a neighbourhood off Thorburn Road in St. John’s. The suspect was tracked down nearby with the assistance of police dog services.

The 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with dangerous and impaired driving, refusing breath samples, flight from police, hit and run, and resisting arrest.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.