Officers from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) have successfully apprehended a long-term offender who was the subject of two Canada-wide warrants. Raymond Desorcy, 55, was intercepted by the VPD Fugitive Team near a downtown coffee shop early Thursday morning following an extensive search that began last December.
The investigation into a fatal collision
The arrest stems from a tragic incident in October 2023. Desorcy was identified through a Collision Investigation Unit probe as the driver responsible for a crash at Granville Street and King Edward Avenue. During that incident, Desorcy allegedly sped through a red light while using his mobile phone, striking a BMW sedan.
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The impact caused life-threatening injuries to 18-year-old Dana Oh, who was a passenger in the vehicle. Despite medical efforts, she passed away in the hospital six days later. While Desorcy eventually entered a guilty plea for dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, he failed to attend a scheduled sentencing hearing in 2025, leading authorities to issue the warrants for his capture.
A pattern of criminal behavior
Desorcy's arrest highlights a long history of legal issues spanning over thirty years. Authorities describe him as a chronic offender with a record that includes various serious offenses. His history includes:
- Over 30 criminal convictions since 1989
- Seven counts of robbery in Edmonton in 2014
- Previous charges for assault, robbery, and impaired driving
- A permanent prohibition on owning firearms
Following his recent capture, police allege that Desorcy was carrying non-prescription drugs. He is currently being held in custody as he awaits a bail hearing and faces an additional charge for breaching a release order.
FAQ
Why was a warrant issued for Desorcy?
A warrant was issued because he did not show up for his 2025 sentencing hearing regarding the fatal 2023 car accident.
What is Desorcy's current legal status?
He remains in police custody and is facing a new charge for breaching a release order while awaiting bail.
