Hudson Hope RCMP got a bit of a surprise when they went to arrest a man for dangerous driving and theft … a caged bear cub.
On June 9 police attended the residence on Ferrell Creek to arrest Justin Thibault, 25, for dangerous driving and theft. Upon arrival, the officers found several stolen items related to a number of thefts in the area as well as a caged black bear cub. A warrant for the property was sought and executed with the assistance of BC Conservation Service.
The search of the residence and property resulted in a number of illegally stored/stolen firearms, tools, seven stolen vehicles including pick up trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, medical gear and various other items.
The bear cub was seized by the BC Conservation Service and was transported to a wildlife sanctuary.
“A great initial investigation done by the Hudson’s Hope RCMP officers, followed up by the support of the Fort St John Police Dog Services, North District General Investigation Section, Forensic Identification Services, officers from neighbouring detachments and the BC Conservation Services, which led to the seizure and soon to be returned stolen property worth thousands of dollars,” said Cpl. Rob Gardner, detachment commander. “Further, the safe recovery of a small bear cub.”
Thibault is in custody pending a bail hearing and is facing a list of firearms and possession of stolen property charges, as well as dangerous operation of a vehicle, break and enter and a wildlife charges. A 29-year-old woman was also arrested was released with a future court date.
The Hudson’s Hope RCMP is asking that if anyone has been a victim of a theft but have not reported it to the police, please call the Hudson’s Hope RCMP at 250-783-5241 and make a report.