WEST KELOWNA — Dylan Anthony Choquette, 34, a homeless man and known repeat offender, is facing new charges of shoplifting—just days after being released from prison.
Choquette was scheduled to appear at the Kelowna courthouse on May 27 for allegedly stealing from a Dollar Store on March 24. An arrest warrant was issued after he failed to appear. The incident occurred shortly after he completed a sentence for threatening a female cashier at a West Kelowna Petro-Canada station.
With no fixed address, Choquette has accumulated a lengthy criminal record including theft, mischief, uttering threats, assaulting police officers, stealing vehicles, and repeatedly breaching probation.
In 2023, his behavior made headlines when the province temporarily barred him from the welfare office after repeated threats. In one instance, he told staff, “I’m going to shoot you girls,” and in another, he smashed a wooden plank against the plexiglass while demanding his cheque.
Police documented 20 incidents involving Choquette in 2022, and six in 2023. The province attempted to make a restraining order against him permanent, but the BC Supreme Court denied the request.
Despite dozens of interactions with the justice system, Choquette has rarely received significant jail time. His sentences often amount to time served, resulting in quick release after guilty pleas. On March 7, he was sentenced to 19 days for theft and uttering threats, which was covered by his pre-trial custody.
Now, only days after being released, he faces a new theft charge tied to the March 24 incident. He is also scheduled to appear in court on May 29 for another alleged theft that occurred on New Year’s Eve.
As of now, these latest charges remain unproven in court.
