Rene Doron was sentenced Tuesday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Phone app helps thwart car thief’s getaway

Mar 8, 2023 | 10:21 AM

A man who stole a car, but was tracked by police with assistance from the victim’s phone, has received a three-year prison sentence.

Rene Dorion, 26, appeared Tuesday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court. In relation to the matter from May 21, 2022, Dorion had previously entered a guilty plea to robbery.

The agreed statement of facts was read by Crown prosecutor Gail Douglas.

In the early morning hours, the victim had just returned home and was just getting out of her car, when Dorion emerged and asked if he could use her phone.

“When she said no, he pulled out a gun and said quote ‘I’m just kidding give me your vehicle keys,'” Douglas said.

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Dorion then proceeded to drive away in the victim’s car, stopping only briefly a few houses away and calling to someone to come get in the car.

Through the use of the woman’s phone, police were able to track Dorion’s movements. Roughly 20 minutes later, the car was found abandoned in the 800 block of 17th St. W and Dorion, who had been trying to hide in a nearby backyard, was tracked by the K-9 unit.

Douglas said the stolen vehicle was soon returned to the owner who then called police and reported a number of items that didn’t belong to her.

Police recovered an air pistol, as well as cutting tools and a large knife with the words “Baby Rambo” inscribed on the handle.

According to a victim impact statement provided to the court, the victim relayed she has trouble sleeping at night and is afraid to be home alone with her children.

Dorion, a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, has other matters before the courts. He’s currently awaiting sentencing for a break-and-enter in Stanley Mission that also involved a weapon.

His lawer Crystal Eninew explained he had been using cocaine and meth, and has never sought treatment. When given the opportunity by the court to comment, Dorion declined.

Noting the fact Dorion has four children and a very limited criminal record, Judge Thomas Healey encouraged Dorion to use the time spent in custody and think about what he wants to do with his life.

“And you can be the father your kids need you to be,” he said.

Dorion was given 53 days credit for time spent in remand. Following his release, he will be subject to a 10-year weapons prohibition.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell