Richard Vader. (Police roll out)
Richard Vader will remain in custody for now as the investigation against him continues with the possibility of more charges being laid.
The 33-year-old Quinte West man was arrested Saturday evening without incident near the hamlet of Wallbridge, just east of Frankford, after he led multiple Quinte area police detachments on an extensive four-day search that involved an OPP helicopter and K9 units. Police say the manhunt stemmed from domestic related allegations. He is said to have stolen several vehicles, including pickups, an ATV, and a motorcycle and spent time running through fields and forests in his flight from police.
On Monday, an unkempt and unshaven Vader appeared by video before Justice of the Peace Sam Cureatz at the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse wearing a long sleeve green and brown camouflage shirt. During his bail hearing, Vader only spoke to confirm to court officials that he understood he was not to make any contact with the alleged victims in the case. Vader also told court officials that he had sustained a dog bite to his ankle during his capture after his lawyer Pieter Kort expressed concern for his client needing further medical treatment.
Kort explained he advised his client who is currently facing four counts of assault and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order, to consent to detention for the time being until they have a chance to look at the new information that may be coming.
A new charge of possession of stolen property related to a vehicle was laid by Prince Edward OPP at the courthouse following Vader’s appearance. Officers with Prince Edward and Quinte West OPP detachments say more charges may be pending.
“Officers are still going over everything,” Prince Edward OPP Constable Connor Durkin told Quinte News in an interview. “We will be charging him (Vader) with everything we believe he is responsible for.”
Quinte West OPP constable David Ludington echoed the investigation continues and more charges could follow.
Crown Attorney Joanne Hurley also requested a publication ban be put in place to protect the alleged victims in the case and evidence and information in the case.
Vader appears back in bail court on Thursday.
