‘Sober Once Again’: Nanaimo tugboat break-in suspect in recovery, pleads guilty
Security cameras captured Marcel Fontaine aboard the tugboat ‘Trend D Foam’, engaged in bizarre behaviour during a 30-hour stay earlier this year.
Marcel Alvin Fontaine, 44, is recovering after pleading guilty to five of 11 charges in connection with a tugboat break-in that led to a standoff with Nanaimo RCMP on February 1. Fontaine shared the phrase "Sober Once Again" on social media on August 4. Surveillance footage showed the suspect engaging in bizarre behavior aboard the tugboat "Trend D Foam" during a 30-hour stay.
The incident began around 2:45 p.m. when Fontaine attempted to steal items from a Thrifty Foods store. He then boarded the tugboat and, after being arrested nearly three hours later, was said to have showered, cooked himself a meal, smoked what appeared to be drugs, climbed on tables, and damaged the tugboat's wheelhouse and cabin cameras.
His former employer, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, revealed that Fontaine had been struggling with sobriety. The cost of repairing the damage was about $25,000 for tugboat owner Andrew Reynolds, who said he could not obtain insurance due to past service vehicle break-in claims. Reynolds suggested that the government should provide compensation for victims of property damage, as the justice system fails to impose consequences on these individuals. Fontaine's next court appearance is scheduled for October 6 to set a date for a sentencing hearing.
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