FORT ST. JOHN, BC -- A man with a long and violent criminal history who was wanted by police has now surrendered to authorities.
Mounties were looking for 32-year-old Riley Apsassin, who was wanted for Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
Apsassin has been found guilty of Breach of Undertaking a number of times, yet has been released from custody even after being charged with serious and violent crimes.
The BC Prosecution Service says the last time Apsassin was set free, he was released by the Fort St. John RCMP. However, this was because the warrant issued by the crown was endorsed, meaning police had no choice but to release him.
Apsassin turned himself in to Fort St. John police this week, who released him on an undertaking for a second time. Again, this was due to an endorsed warrant by crown counsel.
Apsassin’s release occurred just one day before the latest directive from the BC Attorney General came into effect. Crown prosecutors are now being told by the province to ask for detention before trial for those with a history of violence. The goal is to try to stem the revolving door of repeat crime happening across BC.
Apsassin is expected to appear in court on January 23rd.
