Man dead in St. John’s as police investigate ‘suspicious’ early morning incident

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A man has been found dead in St. John’s, hours after police closed a street and advised residents to stay inside their homes.

In a statement released Sunday, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) said they were called to Craigmillar Avenue shortly after 4 a.m. local time “to reports of unknown trouble.”

Officers found the man dead when they arrived on the scene.

Police say the death is believed to be suspicious.

The cause of the man’s death remains unknown, and police say they will remain in the area to canvass the neighbourhood and gather evidence.

Around 5:20 p.m., the RNC said Craigmillar Ave. was reopened to traffic. Officers were staying on part of the street.

The road was closed earlier on Sunday after police had asked residents to shelter in place.

CBC reported that officers were seen carrying long guns at the scene and an ambulance entered the area around 9 a.m.

Police have advised people to avoid the area and they say local residents should continue to remain inside their homes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2020.