Saint John police looking for wanted federal offender

Joseph Blanchard is pictured. (Saint John Police Force)

Police in Saint John, N.B., say they are looking for federal offender wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

A warrant was issued for Joseph Blanchard on Sunday after he allegedly failed to return to the Parrtown Community Correctional Centre, a breach of his statutory release.

The 42-year-old is serving a federal sentence of 10 years, four months and 27 days for:

• robbery
• disguise with intent
• failure to comply with probation order
• possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized
• possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm with ammunition
• possession of a weapon contrary to a prohibition order (two counts)
• possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• possession of a schedule I/II substance for the purpose of trafficking
• assault with a weapon
• theft under $5,000
• failure to attend court – undertaking/recognizance

The Saint John Police Force describes Blanchard as being five-foot-six and 140 pounds with brown hair, green eyes and having a long dark beard.

He was last seen wearing:

• a green and white ball cap
• a grey hooded sweatshirt
• black pants with three white stripes along the sides
• grey shoes with a red stripe
• carrying an over-the-shoulder black bag
• black rectangular glasses

Blanchard also has several tattoos. One is of a cross with lettering in a rectangle on the right side of his neck.

Police say the public should not approach him.

Anyone who sees Blanchard, or has information on his whereabouts, is instead asked to call police at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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