Theft of donations intended for La Bouchée generouse: the suspect finally arrested

The 35-year-old man who allegedly stole a box of donations intended for La Bouchée generouse at the Hector restaurant in Lebourgneuf, last Saturdaywas finally arrested by the authorities.

“We must emphasize the impact of social networks in this matter. Our post had more than 13,000 shares and the name of the suspect came up more than 350 times!” underlines Jonathan Nadeau, co-owner of the restaurant on Boulevard Louis-XIV.

Remember that a donation box installed at the snack bar and intended for the organization La Bouchée generouse, which helps people in need, was stolen last Saturday.

On the establishment’s surveillance cameras, the individual was seen taking the box, which contained approximately $1,500, according to the owners, before leaving in a taxi.

Raphaël Garon was finally apprehended by the Quebec City Police Department for theft of less than $5,000. The 35-year-old man with an extensive criminal record officially appeared late Tuesday, emerging from detention with a significant hand injury. “I left the hospital, I had surgery for frostbite, I slept outside,” explained the accused, offended that the public prosecutor opposed his release.

“It’s a simple theft! I have just been seven months inside, I have two babies, I spent the night outside,” said Garon, who insisted on representing himself alone.

His case was postponed until Wednesday.

Evil for good

The stolen donations will probably never be found, believes Mr. Nadeau. But the event caused so much reaction in the last few days that many people contacted him to offer their help with a new crop of donations.

La Bouchée generous must also place a new box inside the restaurant imminently. A painter even offered to put one of his paintings up for auction to collect donations.

“I think we will probably be able to raise more than we have raised since the beginning. People were really touched,” says the restaurateur.

“La Bouchée generous is really a cause that is close to our hearts. There are more than 1,300 families who need their services. It warms our hearts to see people’s commitment,” he adds.

– With the collaboration of Pierre-Paul Biron