VicPD-Interagency co-operation, a case of similar-looking crooks and some clever police work all came together March 2 resulting in the capture of two rather similar-looking California fugitives and bringing an international manhunt to a safe end.
Dustin Ilar and Daniel Mota were hiding out in Esquimalt,
having illegally made their way into Canada after warrants were issued for
their arrest in California. The VicPD High Risk Offender Unit swept into action
after being contacted by a member of the California Fugitive Apprehension Team
on February 25, 2013. Dustin Ilar was noted to be a high risk due his
extensive robbery and firearms history. The High Risk Offender Unit, worked in
conjunction with Investigative Services, Patrol and the Canada Border Services
Agency (CBSA) to successfully conclude this case.
Initially investigators believed that only one of the
fugitives, Dustin Ilar, was residing in Esquimalt, but, somewhat bafflingly,
using the alias of his co-fugitive, Daniel Mota. Daniel Mota and Dustin Ilar
share multiple similarities, including similar tattoos, ethnicity, hair style
and height. After surveillance and intelligence work, Patrol officers attended
an apartment in the 400-block of Lampson Street, having learned that a man
fitting the description of both men was involved in a potential domestic
incident.
These two fugitives were likely banking on the notion that
when questioned by police their physical similarities would provide enough of a
cover to confuse investigators and give them time to make their escape. The
plan appears to have been to hide in plain sight, believing that been that
officers looking for Ilar would question Mota, and believing this lead to be a
dead-end, go back to the drawing board. VicPD Patrol officers, however, were
not fooled.
Upon attending the apartment and locating Daniel Mota,
officers arrested him and transported him back to cells in order to confirm his
identity in relation to his potential illegal entry into Canada. Confirming his
identity, officers then discovered that he did, in fact, have a warrant for a
Parole Revocation and was wanted in California. Officers then made contact with
CBSA Investigators and arrested Mota. Officers then attended the 2900-block
of Jutland Road, locating and arrested Dustin Ilar.
The two men were handed over to the Canada Border Services
Agency for immigration hearings and to likely begin the journey back to
California.
“This is another example of the excellent work done by our
police officers,” said Inspector Brian Fox, Officer in Charge of Operational
Support Division. “Our High Risk Offender Unit often works collaboratively with
other local agencies and even internationally, to keep our communities safe
from these types of criminals. Victoria and Esquimalt are not hiding places for
fugitives, no matter where they’re from.”
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