Shelter in place order lifted as RNC investigates possible weapons offence
Police "have the matter contained to a residence," according to RNC
Police in St. John's say a shelter in place order for residents in the Thorburn Road area near the Avalon Mall was prompted by what was believed to be the sound of gunshots on Sunday evening.
Around 9 p.m., the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary ordered people in the area between Prince Philip Drive and O'Leary Avenue to stay inside as they investigated a possible weapons offence.
By 10:50 p.m., police contained the matter to a single residence on Thorburn Road.
On Monday, the RNC reported it had responded to reports of what were believed to be gunshots in the area. Witnesses also reported hearing a verbal argument between two people, according to the RNC's overnight activity report.
At the time, police were on the scene in tactical gear with weapons drawn and RNC vehicles blocking parts of the road.
More than a dozen police cars were in the area and people in surrounding homes were evacuated. As well, the nearby Avalon Mall parking lot was cleared by police.
WATCH | Officers surround the house on Thorburn Road:
The shelter in place order was lifted at 11:45 p.m, with RNC saying an increased police presence in the area would continue while they investigated. Police say there is no further danger to the public at this time.
The incident comes in the wake of several separate weapons offence-related incidents in St. John's over the past week.
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