FORT ST. JOHN -- The Fort St. John RCMP seized a luxury vehicle from a prolific offender with a long and violent criminal history.
Back in September, a Fort St John police officer spotted an individual who was prohibited from driving at the time.
Police say Jessie Fougere was driving a black Mercedes E63, and attempted a traffic stop in the area of 100th street and 100th Avenue.
Mounties allege Fougere then pulled into oncoming traffic, ran a red light, nearly colliding with another police vehicle crossing the intersection, then took off at a high rate of speed, running another red light in the process.
At the time, police say the same luxury vehicle had fled from police on at least two other previous occasions.
Then on October 20th, the same Mercedes was located on the east side of Fort St John after it again fled from police.
The same police officer seized the car and requested civil forfeiture of the vehicle after it was used to flee from police in a dangerous manor on so many occasions.
On April 23, it was confirmed by the Civil Forfeiture Office that the vehicle would not be returned to the owner, has been forfeited and will be sold at auction.
“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
,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter
The driver, Jesse Fougere, is facing criminal charges of Flight from Peace Officer and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle which are still before the courts, with the next court date scheduled for October 3, 2024.
In the past Fougere has faced firearms and kidnapping charges. He has prior convictions of assault and fraud. Fougere was also previously sentenced to 120 days in jail in October 2020 for the manslaughter of Troy Streeper.
