Man charged with armed robbery following stolen vehicle investigation in Shediac, N.B.

Firearms and other items seized by RCMP from a residence in Shediac, N.B., are pictured.

Police charged a 22-year-old man from Shediac, N.B., with robbery with a firearm after an investigation into several instances of vehicle theft.

On Thursday, Justin Knott appeared in Moncton Provincial Court via tele-remand. After he was charged, he was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday.

Police searched a Shediac residence Wednesday in connection with the investigation and recovered:

• a sawed-off shotgun
• several rifles
• a pistol
• high-velocity airsoft gun
• a bulletproof vest
• concealment clothing
• stolen property
• a vehicle
• three electronic devices

The Southeast District RCMP Community Crime Reduction Unit began assisting police in Shediac and Sackville regions in early May with an investigation into several vehicle thefts. They identified several persons of interest.

Sackville RCMP located and seized a stolen Chevrolet Equinox in the parking lot of a Memramcook business on May 5, said an RCMP news release.

On May 8, Shediac RCMP located a stolen Toyota Corolla at an apartment building and observed two people getting into it and driving away. Police did not pursue the vehicle but it was found in a nearby parking lot with the help of an RCMP drone.

A Shediac homeowner reported two suspicious vehicles and persons in their backyard on Tuesday. They fled when confronted by the homeowner. Police intercepted one of the vehicles and learned the suspects were planning to rob the residence, said the news release.

Police said the second suspect who fled was planning a targeted home invasion to steal firearms at a Shediac residence. They said they contacted the homeowner to prepare a safety plan.

Several police units intercepted a vehicle during an operation on Wednesday and arrested Knott in connection with the investigation. Knott was allegedly in possession of stolen RCMP badge at the time of arrest.

A 23-year-old woman and 21-year-old man were also arrested at the scene. They were later released pending a future court appearance.

The investigation is ongoing.

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