RCMP have arrested four people in connection with a dramatic ATM theft from the Credit Union in Witless Bay in May.

A stolen excavator was used to break through the front of the bank building and pull out the ATM which contained what police describe as a “substantial amount of cash.”

A stolen pickup, also used in the crime was found burned-out the next day.

Police have arrested and charged 28-year-old Josh Weir, 40-year-old Michelle Peters, 43-year-old Matthew Lawrence and 41-year-old Darryl Quilty in connection with the incident.

Weir and Peters were arrested in Sunnyside on May 16 after being pulled over by police who say Weir was driving a motorcycle in a dangerous manner. Suspected stolen cash and quantities of cocaine were seized at the time.

Later that evening a search was conducted on a home in CBS, where $25,000 of suspected stolen cash was seized along with 16 long guns and a quantity of ammunition.

Matthew Lawrence was arrested on June 17 and Darryl Quilty was served notice of his charges and a court appearance.

All four accused are scheduled to appear in court September 7.

Josh Weir is charged with the following criminal offences:

Break and Enter
Theft over $5000.00
Mischief over $5000.00
Theft of a motor vehicle – two counts
Arson
Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking cocaine

Peters, Quilty and Lawrence are each charged with the following criminal offences:

Break and Enter
Theft over $5000.00
Mischief over $5000.00
Theft of a motor vehicle – two counts
Arson