Photo Courtesy EGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

RCMP

Peace River squatting reports lead RCMP to an arrest

Jan 21, 2025 | 3:13 PM

Residents in Peace River have been reporting multiple issues with squatters and break-and-enters at vacant homes in that community.

This has led local RCMP to begin proactive patrols in the areas of these homes.

On January 17, around 11 p.m. Mounties entered a home in the area of 101 Street while doing patrols, per the owner’s approval.

According to RCMP, a suspect then jumped out of the second-story window and fled westbound on foot.

A foot chase then ensued, and despite icy conditions, officers were able to locate the suspect near a business on 98 Street.

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A 45-year-old Peace River resident, Draper Nelson Laboucan had three charges laid against him:

• Break-and-enter to a residence
• Resisting a police officer
• Theft of electricity

Laboucan was also wanted on warrants for break-and-enter and failing to appear in court at the time of his arrest.

Laboucan appeared before a justice of the peace and was released on conditions, with a court date scheduled for January 20.

Peace Regional RCMP would like to use this incident to “remind community members of the risks involved with having a vacant home or property.”

“These properties are very attractive to break into, or for persons to attempt to take over and reside inside of. Simply closing curtains or having someone drive by to look at it once in a while is not a deterrence to criminals. Once they determine the home is vacant, it becomes very problematic for our local RCMP.”

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour at any known vacant homes in Peace River is asked to contact the local detachment at 780-624-6611 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS).