Two charged after stolen vehicle smashes into N.B. RCMP cruisers, drugs seized

Police say they seized drugs, cash, a prohibited firearm, and ammunition from a stolen vehicle in Hanwell, N.B., on Jan. 17, 2026. (New Brunswick RCMP)

A man and woman are facing numerous charges after a stolen vehicle smashed into two RCMP cruisers following a police pursuit in Hanwell, N.B.

Oromocto and Keswick RCMP officers were patrolling the Hanwell industrial park around 2 a.m. Saturday after receiving reports of break-and-enters in the area.

The officers found a vehicle that had been reported stolen and tried to pull it over, but police say the vehicle instead fled at a high rate of speed through New Maryland. Police decided not to pursue the vehicle.

“A short time later, the vehicle circled back and police deployed a tire deflation device, however, the vehicle continued to flee into Fredericton where it intentionally collided with a police vehicle after conducting an illegal U-turn,” said the RCMP in a news release Tuesday.

“Police pursued the vehicle which collided with a second police vehicle after it was driving the wrong way through a roundabout.”

Police say the driver tried to flee on foot but was arrested. The passenger was also arrested at the scene.

Officers searched the vehicle and seized quantities of what they believed to be cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as a large sum of Canadian currency, a prohibited firearm, and ammunition.

Clayton Townes, 39, has been charged with the following 18 offences:

• flight from police while being pursued
• failure to stop after an accident
• dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• possession of stolen property over $5,000
• possession of stolen property under $5,000
• assault on a peace officer
• careless use, storage, handling and transport of firearm
• contravention of use, storage, handling and transport regulations
• possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
• carrying a concealed weapon
• unauthorized possession of a firearm
• possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
• unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
• possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order
• possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
• possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal methamphetamine
• possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl

Jenna Bunker, 31, has been charged with the following five offences:

• possession of stolen property over $5,000
• possession of stolen property under $5,000
• possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
• possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal methamphetamine
• possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl

Townes and Bunker both appeared in Fredericton provincial court on Saturday. They were both remanded into custody and are due back in court at a later date.

Police are asking anyone with information that could help further their investigation to contact the Oromocto RCMP at 506-357-4300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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