Coquitlam RCMP seeking province-wide public assistance in locating wanted man for assault and animal cruelty

Mar 11, 2023 | 7:35 AM

BRITISH COLUMBIA — Coquitlam RCMP is appealing to the public to help locate a man wanted on a B.C.-wide warrant for several criminal offenses, including assaulting a woman and causing pain or suffering to an animal.

Austin Derocher, Photo Credit – Coquitlam RCMP

According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at around 12:30 a.m., when Coquitlam RCMP officers responded to an assault report at an apartment building on Glen Drive near Johnson Street in Coquitlam. The female victim and her dog had been assaulted by her partner before he fled the residence.

The victim was immediately taken to the hospital to receive medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries. The dog also sustained minor injuries and is currently recovering with its owner. Victim Services has been engaged to provide support to the victim.

Following the incident, B.C. Prosecution Services laid charges against Austin Durocher on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The charges include one count of assault, one count of uttering threats, one count of assault by choking, suffocating, or strangling, and one count of causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal.

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Durocher is currently wanted by police, and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to come forward and contact the Coquitlam RCMP immediately. Police warn the public not to approach Durocher and to instead call 911 or their local police department.

The RCMP has also reminded the public that anyone who assists Durocher in an evading arrest may also face criminal charges.

The Coquitlam RCMP is continuing its investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about Durocher’s location to contact them at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-8769.

by Noah Rishaug

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Coquitlam RCMP seeking province-wide public assistance in locating wanted man for assault and animal cruelty

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