How suspect left scene of deadly Behchokǫ̀ crash still unclear

Steven Theriault was sentenced to six and a half years for driving the vehicle that crashed on Highway 3 on April 22, killing one young woman. (Photo courtesy of RCMP).

Behchokǫ̀ RCMP will not say how it believes Steven Theriault left the scene of a rollover crash last month.

Since the crash, police have put out two public calls to help find the 44-year-old they suspect was driving the vehicle.

A young mother in her early 20’s died in the crash.

Julie Plourde, RCMP spokesperson, told CKLB in an email that the Behchokǫ̀ detachment received a call at 5:08 p.m. on April 22 about the crash.

Plourde said local officers were the first to arrive at the scene — near Mosquito Creek, about 16 kilometres south of Edzo — at 5:26 p.m.

CKLB asked if police believe there was a delay between when the crash happened and when they received the call.

“Behchokǫ̀ RCMP believe the call for assistance was made shortly after the motor vehicle collision, but we do not know exactly if there was a delay,” wrote Plourde.

Asked how police believe Theriault left the scene, Plourde reiterated the police’s previous statement saying they believe he’s either in the NWT or in Alberta (either Edmonton or northern Alberta), but wouldn’t give specifics.

“Along with the call for public assistance, investigators are pursuing every lead and using every tool at their disposal,” she said.

Finally, she confirmed Theriault is facing “a number of offences” related to the crash.

If you have any information on his location, you can contact Behchoko RCMP at 867-392-1111.

About the Author

Francis Tessier-Burns
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.