Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

International search is on for missing Canadian couple

Albert and Rita Chretien (The Penticton RCMP)
A multi-agency, international search for a missing Canadian couple is underway. Albert Chretien, 59, and his wife, Rita Chretien, 56, were reported missing by their family Thursday. The Penticton Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Washington State Patrol, Okanogan County Sheriff and Oregon State Police are investigating the disappearance of the couple, who were last seen crossing the U.S.-Canadian border in Oroville, Wash., at 7:05 a.m. Tuesday. They were driving a brown Chevy Astro van with British Columbia license plate number 212-CAV. Their family grew concerned when the couple did not return from a trade show they were planning on attending in Las Vegas, Nev. Monday through Wednesday. “They didn’t check into their hotel in Las Vegas, nor did they register at the commercial trade show,” said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk with the Penticton Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Their credit card was last used in Baker City, Ore., Moskaluk said, but they have not made any calls from their cell phone. “We have not been able to confirm at this time if they were in fact the users of this card,” he said. Albert Chretien is described as a white male, 5’6”, with brown hair balding on top and blue eyes. Rita Chretien is a white female, with shoulder-length blond hair, blue eyes and eyeglasses. Their family said it is unlike the couple to divert from their set plan. So far, authorities have not found anything indicating foul play. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to call one of the following agencies: The Penticton RCMP at (250) 492-4300 Crime Stoppers at (509) 222-8477 Okanogan County Sheriff at (509) 422-7232 Washington State Patrol at (509) 682-8090