Quebec suspect charged with stealing gas in northern Ont. was driving van stolen in B.C.

An investigation of gas theft in Echo Bay, Ont., led to the discovery of a full-sized cargo van stolen from British Columbia. (File)

An investigation of gas theft in Echo Bay, Ont., led to the discovery of a full-sized cargo van stolen from British Columbia.

It also emerged that it was being driven by a suspect from Quebec who was a suspended driver and was under court orders.

Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police were alerted at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 5 about a gas theft from a local gas station on Highway 17B in the Town of Echo Bay.

"Investigation determined a brown conversion van had driven away from the gas station without paying $190 in fuel," the OPP said in a news release Wednesday.

"At approximately 10:45 a.m., police observed the suspect vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 17. The van then pulled into a contracting yard on Highway 17 near Highway 548 within Tarbutt-Additional Township."

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Police conducted a query on the vehicle plate and discovered that the 1979 conversion van was reported stolen from Revelstoke, B.C.

"Another query determined the driver was on conditions not to operate any motor vehicle whereby the licence plate was not registered to him or a partner," the release said.

A 35-year-old from Saint Julien, Que., has been charged with theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and failure to comply with a release order.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on Oct. 21.