Fort St. John RCMP seize prolific offender’s car

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Mercedes-Benz will be put up for auction after it was used to flee from the Fort St. John RCMP multiple times.

In September 2023, police observed the black model E63 on 100th Street and 100th Avenue in Fort St. John and identified the driver as a prolific offender. 

As police attempted a traffic stop, the driver drove into oncoming traffic, ran a red light, crossed the intersection, and nearly collided with another vehicle in the process. 

The vehicle then sped away, running a second red light.  

The next month, the vehicle was located on the east side of town after it had again fled from police. 

RCMP then seized the car and requested forfeiture after it was determined the car had fled from authorities on multiple occasions.  

On April 23rd, it was determined that the province’s Civil Forfeiture Office would not return the sedan to its owner and would be sold at auction.

Constable Chad Neustaeter of Fort St. John RCMP says the diligent work the officers did in taking the car away makes the roads safer for everyone.

“People have the lawful right to own and drive vehicles on the roadway, but when they use them in unlawful and dangerous ways, taking the vehicle away can be a lawful option,” Neustaeter said.

Jesse Fougere is facing charges of Flight from Peace Officer and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle.  

His next court date is scheduled for October.