Presque Isle Police Locate Fugitive in Florida
Presque Isle Police have tracked down a convicted felon who disappeared nearly 8 years ago while on probation for robbing an elderly Presque Isle woman.
48-year-old John Vaillancourt was arrested Friday, February 21 in Key West, Florida for possession of marijuana and for being a fugitive from justice.
In August 1998, Vaillancourt was charged with robbing an 88-year-old Presque Isle woman in her home and stealing her car. Records show Vaillancourt tied the woman up and cut her phone lines so she could not call for help. He was spotted driving the woman’s car in Old Town after police said he was going 110 mph in a 40 mph zone. Vaillancourt, who was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana at the time, was apprehended after the car went off the road and became stuck in a ditch. Meanwhile, a check on the vehicle’s registration led Presque Isle Police to rescue the elderly woman at her home.
Valliancourt was later convicted of robbery, burglary, criminal restraint, assault and theft, according to Presque Isle Police Chief Matt Irwin. After serving time in prison, he was released on probation. Irwin said Vaillancourt failed to live up to the conditions of release and fled the State of Maine in 2006.
Recently, Officer Ryan Eagles of the Presque Isle Police Department initiated a search for Vaillancourt, after reviewing an outstanding warrant list. Through an extensive search of police records and databases, he was able to track the fugitive to Key West, Florida and arranged with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to have him arrested.
Officer Eagles tells us that Vaillancourt will be extradited to Maine in the next 30 days. He will then face a court hearing on probation revocation and will likely be sentenced to additional jail time. Eagles said the Presque Isle Police Department is committed to solving outstanding criminal cases and bringing those involved to justice.
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