Trail RCMP escort dangerous fugitive back to Toronto to face warrants
By Trail Champion
Trail RCMP have arrested a fugitive facing charges of violent crime in Toronto, according to RCMP Cpl. Dave Johnson, who says two recent arrests bring the tally to 64 peoplep sent from BC on outstanding warrants since September 2011.
“David Patrick Lupul was wanted by Toronto Police Service for Failing to Comply with a Recognizance,” Johnson explained in a press release issued today. “He stands accused of Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. The warrant was issued in September of 2013 and Lupul first came to the attention of B.C. police in October. On March 26, 2014, the Toronto warrant was extended to British Columbia, on the basis that the B.C. Fugitive Return Program would fund the return.
“Trail RCMP arrested Lupul on March 27, 2014 and transported him back to Toronto on April 1, 2014. Lupul’s return was funded and facilitated by the B.C. Fugitive Return Program (BCFRP), in cooperation with the Trail RCMP and Toronto Police Service. The escort was carried out by B.C. Sheriff Services, a key partner of the BCFRP.”
Johnson said there have been five fugitive returns in the past five weeks alone.
“Justin Tyler Mackay was wanted by Medicine Hat Police Service for Sexual Assault, Breach of Recognizance and Fail to Appear in Court. On March 26, 2014 he came to the attention of the B.C. Fugitive Return Program, who liaised with Medicine Hat PS to have the warrants extended to British Columbia. On April 1, 2014, Mackay was arrested by Kelowna RCMP and remanded in custody, for transport back to Alberta in the next few days. This is at no cost to the B.C. Fugitive Return Program. Alberta Sheriff Services will conduct the transport.
“The B.C. Fugitive Return Program is a program managed by the RCMP and a joint management team consisting of the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP. This program is funded by the Civil Forfeiture Office and Court Services Branch’s B.C. Sheriff Services. On February 15, 2012, the B.C. government, the RCMP, all B.C. municipal police agencies, and B.C. Sheriff Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which led to the establishment of a protocol governing the program.
“Since September 2011, the B.C. Provincial Fugitive Return Program has facilitated the return of 64 individuals from various regions in B.C. wanted by other provinces across Canada. The program was created to hold individuals, currently residing in British Columbia with out of province arrest warrants, accountable for their actions. It is hoped that, by facilitating the return of these individuals to deal with their outstanding matters, some measure of resolution will be brought to their victims. It will also help send a message to criminals that they cannot evade justice simply by leaving one province to go to another.”
