RCMP use aircraft to track stolen vehicle near Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Police in Happy Valley-Goose Bay took to the air Wednesday to track down a vehicle that was reported stolen.

RCMP received a tip around 12 a.m. that the vehicle was stolen. They patrolled the community but were unable to find it.

Then at 8 a.m., they received another tip that the vehicle was in the Grand Lake Road area, just outside Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

When police couldn't find it through normal patrols, they called on their air services branch unit to help.

Then, at around 11 a.m., the pilot of the aircraft saw a vehicle matching the description speeding down Grand Lake Road.

Air services tracked the vehicle as more RCMP officers were called in, and followed it until the suspect stopped near Caribou Lake Road.

When officers arrived the vehicle had been abandoned, but after a short time police found the driver in the woods.

A 33-year-old man from Happy Valley-Goose Bay is due in court today to face charges of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and breach of probation.

The RCMP said the suspect was known to them, and officers found a number of items that may have been stolen.

They are asking cabin owners in the area to check their properties and report any missing items.