Police re-arrest Gatineau taxi driver accused of sex assault on disabled teen
A taxi driver who provided paratransit services is accused of sexually assaulting an adolescent passenger with severe physical and intellectual disabilities. Gatineau police “have reason to believe” there may have been other victims. Michel Vanier, 48, was arrested Monday. A former driver with Taxi Loyal, a sub-contractor of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais, he appeared in court Tuesday on charges of sexual exploitation and committing indecent acts. He was released on what police called “strict” conditions. However, police said Friday afternoon they suspected he has already violated those conditions, and he was re-arrested. Police allege he gave the court a false address and was not living where he claimed. He was charged with breaching his conditions and remained in custody. During the investigation, detectives identified two other recent cases that may be related. They fear further victims could be women with disabilities, from their teens to their 50s, assaulted while using paratransit services. Given that some of the victims may have difficulty expressing themselves, investigators asked people close to vulnerable people to check on their physical and mental well-being. Police said the STO and Taxi Loyal have fully co-operated in the case, providing important information. Investigators can be reached at 819-243-4636, Ext. 5.