Fredericton — New Brunswick RCMP say three teenagers from Moncton were arrested after a stolen vehicle was located in a ditch near Memramcook and police linked the youths to a series of alleged crimes in the province’s southeast.
What happened
Members of the Southeast District RCMP located an abandoned vehicle in a ditch on La Montain Road in Memramcook, roughly 20 kilometres south of Moncton, after receiving multiple reports involving a vehicle and dangerous behaviour, police said. Later the same day, officers from the Sackville RCMP responded to a report of a break-and-enter in progress in Memramcook East.
When officers arrived, they engaged in a short foot pursuit and arrested a 16-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, both from Moncton. A 14-year-old boy, also from Moncton, later turned himself in, according to RCMP.
All three were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court in November. RCMP Cpl. Hans Ouellette said no charges have yet been formally laid in court and that the investigation remains ongoing. Police reported no injuries related to the incidents.
Suspected pattern of offences
Investigators believe the trio are connected to break-ins and thefts from both businesses and residences in the Memramcook and Scoudouc areas. Authorities have not provided further detail on specific items taken or the total number of alleged offences.
Concerns about ‘car surfing’ and online copycats
The arrests followed the circulation of a video online that appeared to show youths engaging in so-called car surfing, a dangerous behaviour in which someone rides on a moving vehicle.
“I am hoping that this is not a resurgence or a challenge that is going to be taken up through social media because it is so dangerous,” said Pamela Fuselli, chief executive officer of the injury-prevention charity Parachute. “We don’t see them very often, but when we do see them, they can be very very dangerous and fatal in some cases.”
Fuselli told reporters that while car surfing incidents are uncommon, when they occur they can lead to severe injury or death. Cpl. Ouellette said RCMP did not have immediate access to specific statistics tracking car-surfing incidents and was therefore unable to confirm whether the activity is on the rise.
Local impact and safety advice
Police have not released further descriptions of the vehicle involved or details about the video. Community safety officials and injury-prevention experts generally advise parents and guardians to monitor youths’ online activity and to speak with teenagers about the real risks of viral stunts.
Key practical points for residents:
- Report suspicious activity to local RCMP detachments as soon as possible.
- Supervise young drivers and adolescents who might be exposed to risky online trends.
- Secure residences and businesses to reduce opportunities for break-ins.
Court and investigative status
According to RCMP, the three youths were released and will appear before Moncton Provincial Court in November. Police emphasised that their investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information, video footage or tips related to the incidents to contact the Southeast District RCMP.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspects | Three youths from Moncton — ages 16, 16 and 14 |
| Reported locations | Memramcook, Scoudouc, Sackville response |
| Vehicle found | Abandoned in a ditch on La Montain Road, Memramcook |
| Court date | Moncton Provincial Court, November |
As investigators continue to review evidence and possible offences, community leaders and safety organisations are calling for caution when viral online videos depict risky behaviour. RCMP and injury-prevention advocates say preventing copycat incidents starts with awareness and prompt reporting.
Amélie Gagné, WE NEWS, Fredericton
