Update on Missing Penticton Couple

Tuesday, April 05, 2011 02:45 PM

Penticton, B.C.- Penticton RCMP continue their efforts into the investigation of Albert and Rita Chretien who went missing on a trip to Las Vegas.

RCMP investigators are working with the lead US agency Baker City Police Department in Oregon.

Sgt Kirk McCormick of the Baker City Police Dept states “On April 4, 2011 at about 1:00 pm two Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) sergeants arrived in Baker City. A briefing was conducted with the RCMP sergeants, BCPD personnel, and members of the Oregon State Police and Baker County Sheriff’s Office. The RCMP and BCPD are continuing with the investigative efforts while the Oregon State Police and Baker County Sheriff’s Office are handling the search efforts”.

Cpl Dan Moskaluk states "Considering the multi-jurisdictional levels involved in this investigation there has been a tremendous and rapid coordinated response to this matter on the part of both RCMP and US Police agencies, working together for the greater good and best interests of the Chretien family. Both the Chretien family and RCMP are thankful for this effort, along with the assistance and support received from US and Canadian media and the public.”

Chretien's vehicle with BCL 212 CAV The RCMP has now obtained a photo of the Chretien's vehicle (shown at right) the vehicle has BC licence number 212-CAV.

The couple was reported missing on March 31st after they failed to return from a business trip to Las Vegas.

RCMP investigators obtained store security video footage from Baker City, Oregon confirming Albert and Rita bought gas on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at a local Shell gas station/convenience store at 2:45 p.m. There has been no sign of them since that time, and there has been no activity on their bank accounts, credit cards, or cell phones since then.

Law enforcement is requesting that anyone with information related to the Chretiens or their missing vehicle to contact the toll free US/Canada Tip Line at 1-877-987-8477 or any of the following:

Baker City Police Department: 541-523-3644
Oregon State Police Southern Command Center dispatch: 541-664-4600
Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

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Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2011 02:45 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: PrinceGeorge on April 5 2011 3:00 PM

I have often wondered if plates shouldn't be more neutral and not give away where the driver/vehicle is from. With today's technology a licence plate could be just a big foot long bar code which can be read by the police with a hand held bar code scanner and read into a computer on board the police cruiser.

I hope that they are o.k. after all. We used to drive all over the USA but simply would not dare any more nowadays.

Sad.

Posted by: lmorge on April 5 2011 4:15 PM

I am impressed with the effort shown by the rcmp in locating these people. I hope they did not go off the road along the oregon coast.

Posted by: lmorge on April 5 2011 4:19 PM

I am impressed with the effort shown by the rcmp in locating these people. I hope they did not go off the road along the oregon coast.

Posted by: Sine Nomine on April 5 2011 6:21 PM

Not that I'm upset that the police, both local and in the States are pursuing this vigorously, but I can't remember the last time I've heard of RCMP members (2 sergeants at that) traveling into a foreign country to look into the disappearance of 2 ordinary citizens. Does anyone else here think that is a tad strange?

Do these people have connections to someone important? I can't envision a circumstance that would prompt Canadian police to cross a border to come look for me. I just wonder how this couple rates so much attention.

That said, it's been a long time since they've been heard from or used their phones or economic means. I'd say that doesn't bode well for these two and my condolences to the family and friends of these people. May you come to know what befell them. Not knowing would be torturous.

Posted by: kaymac on April 6 2011 7:48 AM

"With today's technology a licence plate could be just a big foot long bar code which can be read by the police with a hand held bar code scanner and read into a computer on board the police cruiser."

How are the general public supposed to identify vehicles to the police, or help the police find a vehicle??? A simple description of the make, model and colour is NOT ENOUGH!! That would be like sending the police out on a wild goose chase...they would have to pull over EVERY vehicle of that specific make, model and colour. Not a simple feat anymore, my vehicle for example...there are tons in town that are the EXACT SAME!! Why does it really matter if people know which province someone is from?? It doesn't say their home address or anything....I am confused, especially in context with the article you have posted on...

Posted by: retired senior on April 6 2011 10:00 AM

To sine, no I do not find it a tad strange.Like I've said before on this site "The police are damned if they do and damned if thay don't."