The North Bay Police admit they do not have much more information to share regarding the whereabouts of Marc Gauthier.
The wanted man was pulled over in a traffic stop on Fisher Street around 4 p.m. on Monday. Police say he made a dash from his vehicle and dove into Chippewa Creek where he was able to elude police.
"Gauthier, who was a passenger in the vehicle, immediately exited the vehicle and jumped into the creek," stated Jeff Warner, Inspector with the North Bay Police Service during a Tuesday afternoon media conference.
"Officers surrounded the heavily wooded area on both sides of the creek between Fisher Street and Memorial Gardens in an effort to prevent his escape."
Much like the dramatic escape by prisoner Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, police believe Gauthier eluded police by crawling through a culvert to get away.
"A search in that immediate area met with negative results," said Warner.
"Subsequent investigation leads us to believe Gauthier proceeded through the culvert underneath Chippewa Street and headed toward the downtown area immediately upon jumping into the creek."
Warner admitted the wooded areas along Chippewa Creek pose significant challenges for the police leaving many hiding spots for anyone trying to avoid arrest. He adds even the drone along with infrared technology has difficulty finding an individual hidden in the thick summer brush.
See related: UPDATE: Police manhunt near Fisher Street and downtown
Police say Marc Gauthier is described as:
- White Male
- Bald
- May be cleanly shaven
- 54 years old
- Approximately 5’8” tall
- Approximately 160 lbs
- Last seen wearing jeans and a black t-shirt with a white logo on the back
On July 7, OPP in Orillia notified the public that Gauthier had broken his statutory release and police say is connected to an armed robbery in Alliston.
OPP say he is serving a 41-year, four-month, and 18-day sentence for possession of a weapon, robbery (x16), armed robbery (x16), robbery using a firearm (x8), possession of a firearm while prohibited, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, prohibited weapon in vehicle, pointing a firearm, forcible confinement, discharge firearm-cause bodily harm, possession of explosive substance, possess weapon for dangerous purpose, disguise with intent, escape lawful custody, assault, break and enter (x2), theft (x2), possession of property obtained by crime (x4), possession of scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2).
The offender is known to frequent Barrie, Parry Sound, and northwestern Quebec.
North Bay Police continued their search in the downtown area of North Bay using resources on the ground and in the air in the early evening and into the night.
A woman in the vehicle with Gauthier was taken into custody by the OPP. No word on the charges she is facing. Police say the vehicle was seized.
Warner says they have no clues if he has left or if he is still in town.
"My understanding is they do not have a connection to North Bay, our information is he has no family here or friends here," said Warner.
"My belief is they were probably just passing through. I believe the two of them are suspects in an armed robbery in the Orillia area so my guess is they were just passing through."
Warner does not want North Bay residents to be on high alert, but he does hope they will be smart.
"People should go about their daily activities as normal. We should continue doing safe practices that we should all be doing on a regular basis anyway," said Warner.
"Be aware of your surroundings, keep your vehicle doors locked and residences secure and if people do happen to spot Marc Gauthier they are encouraged to call the police immediately and do not approach him."
If you have information that could lead to the location of Gauthier, please call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press 9 to speak with an officer. If you wish to stay anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com
