VPD: More charges in Sister Watch program
Posted Feb 11, 2011 10:37:59 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver Police have arrested 11 people on charges ranging from drug trafficking and extortion to forcible confinement and sexual assault. But police are hinting it’s only the proverbial “tip of the iceberg.”
One suspect in particular has been singled out as one of the worst offenders on the Downtown Eastside. For now, Martin Tremblay is charged with possession and trafficking drugs, but police say he’s terrorized that neighbourhood for years. Inspector Mike Porteous says, “I can tell you that Tremblay is in jail, strategically… so that victims will come forward.”
Police acknowledge singling out a suspect like this is highly unusual. Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu says, “Extraordinary situations call for extraordinary measures.”
Police aren’t saying exactly what charges they hope to file against Tremblay.
Meanwhile, a First Nations group in the Downtown Eastside is urging witnesses and victims to come forward, and tell police what they know about Tremblay.
Juanita Desjarlais with Aboriginal Front Door says, “We need people to come forward, victims to come forward and tell their story of what’s happened with Martin Tremblay.”
Last year, the 45-year-old was linked to the deaths of two teenage girls on the same day, one whom was rushed to hospital from his rented home in Richmond; the other was found dumped on a street in Burnaby.
No one has been charged in that case.
