Suspect Extradited to B.C. Following Arrest

A man wanted in connection with a deadly hit-and-run collision near Oliver has been taken into custody in Quebec and returned to British Columbia to face charges.

Dominic Kavanagh Latreille was arrested on Oct. 14 in Drummondville, Quebec, by RCMP members working alongside the Sûreté du Québec. The arrest came four months after the BC Prosecution Service approved a charge against him on June 5, 2026, for failing to remain at the scene of a crash. Following his arrest, BC Sheriffs escorted Latreille back to B.C., where he appeared in court on Oct. 15 and was remanded in custody.

Details of the June 2025 Crash

emergency responders were called to a single-vehicle incident along Highway 97 south of Oliver, in the vicinity of Cassini Cellars Winery, on June 15, 2025. A 22-year-old male pedestrian was struck and pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver involved fled the area.

Investigators with the BC Highway Patrol eventually identified a suspect through investigative work and tips received from the community. The charge against Latreille has not been proven in court.

Police Appeal for Further Details

Authorities expressed appreciation to community members who assisted in the investigation, while noting that the case remains open for additional information.

“BC Highway Patrol would also like to thank members of the public who provided valuable assistance and information during this investigation, and we continue to encourage anyone who may have additional information about this collision to contact BC Highway Patrol – Keremeos at 250-499-2250 and quote file (2100) 2025-1881,” BC Highway Patrol stated in a release.

Nighttime Curfew Enforced as Authorities Search for Animals

A remote central coast community is under an 8 p.m. curfew after two women lost their lives in a suspected grizzly bear attack along a local trail system. Authorities discovered the remains of art therapist Jenny Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, about 150 metres apart on Monday and Tuesday following a search by RCMP and conservation officers.

Family members had reported the pair missing on Sunday after Balcarras failed to answer a wellness check. Her vehicle was later found parked near a trailhead along the Snooka trail system.

Investigation and Safety Measures

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported that more than one bear may have been involved in the incident. Traps set overnight yielded no captures, but officials confirmed that any bears trapped in the area will be euthanized in accordance with provincial public safety protocols.

Investigators plan to compare DNA gathered from the scene with samples preserved from a grizzly attack in the same area nearly a year ago, which injured three children and one adult. However, officials noted the region has a large wild bear population and it is too early to determine if the events are connected. Residents are advised to avoid the west trail area of the Snooka system while the search continues.

Community Reaction and Remembrances

Balcarras, who leaves behind three adult children and a grandchild, moved to the area a few months ago to work as a school counsellor. Her brother, Matthew Balcarras, described her as an inspiration who cared deeply about helping youth through art therapy. Reed was remembered by relatives as having her whole life ahead of her.

The Nuxalk Nation has implemented an 8 p.m. curfew and offered local transportation services to protect residents. Nuxalk Nation chief administrative officer Terry Webber stated that community members are retriggered by the tragedy while still healing from last year’s attack, emphasizing that public safety remains the top priority.

Search for Canoe Resident Ends in Tragedy

A missing 56-year-old Salmon Arm man has been located deceased, authorities confirmed.

Dwight Trottier had been reported missing after leaving his family’s residence in Canoe early on the morning of Friday, Oct. 30. Following his disappearance, Salmon Arm RCMP appealed to the community for assistance in locating him.

Police Issue Condolences

The search concluded the next day when police confirmed that Trottier was found dead. According to reports, authorities do not consider the death to be suspicious.

“The RCMP offers its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said North District RCMP spokesperson Corp. Jennifer Cooper in a news release.