BREAKING: Trail fugitive dies in Ontario plane crash
By Kyra Hoggan
A Trail man recently identified as the second most-wanted criminal in Canada has died in a plane crash in Ontario on April 30, according to a Tweet from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC).
Gene Karl Lahrkamp, 36, was wanted for murder by the Royal Thailand Police and a $100,000 reward was posted for information leading to his capture.
The Tweet also said there were four people on board the plane when it crashed near Sioux Lookout, Ont. There were no survivors, and the cause of the crash was not specified.
Previous coverage:
A Trail man has achieved the dubious distinction of becoming the second most-wanted criminal in Canada, according to a 25-Most Wanted list issued by the BOLO (Be On the Look Out) Program Tuesday.
Gene Karl Lahrkamp, 36, is wanted in connection with shooting death of former Canadian resident in Thailand, and an up-to-$100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.
However, police strongly caution against approaching the man yourself, should you see him.
“Take no action to apprehend Lahrkamp yourself,” the site warns. “He may be armed and dangerous. Anyone offering Lahrkamp assistance in evading arrest may be considered an accessory after the fact and face charges.”
The site goes on to explain why Lahrkamp, who owns a house in Trail, ranks so high on the list.
“In the early morning of Saturday, February 5, 2022, the body of a man was found near a villa in Rawai Beach, Muang district of Phuket, Thailand. The man had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
“The victim was identified as 32-year-old Jimi Sandhu; an Indian citizen, and former Canadian resident. In Canada, Sandhu was known for his involvement with the “UN” Gang, one of the groups involved in a violent on-going conflict in the Lower Mainland area of B.C. He was deported back to India in 2016 for ‘serious criminality’.”
According to the Royal Thai Police, this was a targeted shooting and investigators believe Lahrkamp is one of two suspects who flew back to Canada in the days after Sandhu was killed. The other suspect has since been arrested in Canada.
Lahrkamp is described as six-foot-four, 210 lb, with brown hair and brown eyes, and may be travelling with an unknown number of dogs. Police believe he may still be in B.C.
To submit your tip, call 9-1-1, or to tip anonymously, call 1-800-222-TIPS.
The reward in only available until October 26, 2022, and tipster will have one year from the date of arrest to claim reward.
