A Quebec fugitive’s stay in the North Okanagan has come to an end.
On April 23, Sebastien Tremblay Deschesnes, 26, was escorted to Montreal to face outstanding warrants for robbery, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
“He will be dealt with there,” said Gord Molendyk, Vernon RCMP spokesperson.
Deschesnes first came to the attention of the Vernon RCMP April 17 when an officer noticed a speeding vehicle. After a pursuit, Deschesnes was taken into custody.
“At the detachment, it was determined he was wanted in Quebec,” said Molendyk, adding that it was decided to apply to B.C.’s fugitive return program so Deschesnes could be sent to his home province.
It’s believed he arrived in B.C. soon after warrants for his arrest were issued in Quebec in September 2011. It’s not known why he was in Vernon.
The vehicle Deschesnes was driving was stolen from Kelowna April 5, but because he is now in Quebec, he will not face any potential charges here.
B.C.’s fugitive return program was initiated in September 2011.
“The program was created to hold individuals currently residing in B.C. who have out of province arrest warrants accountable for their actions,” said Cpl. Annie Linteau, RCMP E division media relations officer, in a release.
“It is hoped that facilitating the return of these individuals to deal with their outstanding matters will bring some measure of resolution to their victims.”
It’s also hoped they won’t engage in criminal activity in B.C. if they are sent home.
“The benefit to the program is we get them out of our jurisdiction,” said Molendyk.
