A man who has been on Canada's top 25 most wanted fugitives list for murder and drug trafficking charges has been apprehended at Montreal's Trudeau International Airport. Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron, 36, was arrested on Saturday while allegedly returning to Canada. His arrest was carried out by officers from the Sûreté du Québec Airport Unit, the Mascouche Major Crime Investigation Division, and the Canada Border Services Agency. He was wanted under several Canada-wide warrants related to his involvement in serious criminal activities.
Ouellet-Gendron's criminal history dates back to 2022 when he was identified as a suspect in a homicide that occurred on the 700 Block of Melrose Avenue in Saskatoon. A Saskatoon Police Service news release from May 2022 outlines that police responded to reports of an injured man and multiple gunfire incidents in the area. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered the body of 29-year-old Brandon Baxandall behind an apartment building. The investigation into the case revealed that two men of slim build had been seen fleeing the scene, one of whom was carrying a bag with a strap.
After an extensive investigation, Ouellet-Gendron was officially charged with first-degree murder in relation to Baxandall's death on May 24, 2022. At that time, Saskatoon police warned the public that Ouellet-Gendron was believed to be armed and should not be approached. His inclusion in the Bolo Program, a national initiative to solicit public assistance in apprehending fugitives, took place in May 2023, where he was ranked 10th among the top 25 fugitives. This highlighted the severity of his alleged crimes, which included both murder and drug trafficking.
In a related development, a co-defendant in the case, Mohamed Abdula Ali, was sentenced to six years in prison for pleading guilty to manslaughter concerning Baxandall's death. This case has been notable for its violent implications and has garnered significant public interest. The Saskatoon police responded with transparency, releasing an eight-minute video on YouTube that detailed their investigative efforts and response to the homicide. The footage included dashcam recordings and showed officers responding to the scene where emergency personnel performed chest compressions on the victim.
The video also depicted officers heavily armed, clearing units in the apartment building complex where the incident took place. It concluded with images of firearms that were recovered in connection with the case, further emphasizing the dangerous circumstances surrounding the investigation. Police seized three firearms in the hours following the incident, indicating the serious nature of the crime and the potential threat posed by the suspects involved.
Following his arrest in Montreal, Ouellet-Gendron is expected to appear in a Montreal courthouse, where legal proceedings will commence. His capture marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety through violent crime and drug trafficking.
