Van linked to crash that killed Mountie no longer in United Electric fleet

A U.S.company whose name is on the cargo van RCMP are seeking information about in connection with the crash that killed a Nova Scotia Mountie in eastern New Brunswick this week says the vehicle is no longer in its fleet.

RCMPreleased a photograph Thursday of a dark blueDodge TK2008 van with "United Electric Supply" written on the side and with Pennsylvania licence plate ZBN 8883.

Police believe the van collided with the police car of Amherst RCMP Const. Francis (Frank)Deschnes, who had pulled over on the Trans-Canada Highway near Memramcookto help changea flat tire on an SUV on Tuesday, shortly after 6 p.m. AT.

Deschnes, 35, anative ofSainte-Anne-de-Madawaskain northern New Brunswick,died at the scene. A funeral will be held in Moncton on Wednesday.

• RCMP seek witnesses to van in crash that killed N.S. Mountie
• Mountie killed helping motorists near Memramcook had history of going 'the extra mile'

Investigators are askinganyone who witnessed the vantravelling east on Highway 2 between Moncton andMemramcookthat daybetween 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. to come forward.

United Electric Supply, an electrical distributor based in New Castle, Del., is aware of the collision, said Gayle Davis, the vice-president of human resources.

But "the van that was photographed is no longer in our fleet, and the branding shown on the van is no longer in use by the company," she said in an email to CBC News.

The company rebrandeda few years ago, with changes to its typeface, logo andtagline, Davis said.

United Electric does not deliver in Canada either, she said. Its territory only extends as far north as northern Pennsylvania.

The company has no way of knowing who might have purchased the van once it left its fleet, Davis said.

"Generally speaking, when the vehicle's lease is up, the vehicle is returned to the leasing company or it could be sold to a third party, and they then can sell the used vehicle to someone else," she said.

"Our identifying logo is supposed to be removed before it is sold," she added.

No word on charges

The man who was allegedly driving the cargo van was treated in hospital and then taken into custody but has since been released underconditions imposed byMonctonprovincial court without any charges being laid, RCMPCpl. Jullie Rogers-Marsh has said.

RCMPare not saying whether alcohol, excessive speed ordistracted driving are suspected, factors that police sometimes cite before an investigation is concluded.

They have not said where the man is from.

The two people from the SUV, which was also struck by the van, according to the preliminary investigation, were taken to the hospital and later released.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with any information about the collision isasked to contact the Sackville detachment at506-364-5023.

Public pays respects

Arrangements for Deschnes'sare still being finalized, said Nova Scotia RCMPspokespersonCpl. Jennifer Clarke. The exact location and time are expected to be released soon.

In the meantime, members of the public are being invited to sign books of condolence for his family.

The books will be available at these locations during normal business hours up to and including the day of the funeral:

• RCMP New Brunswick headquarters,1445Regent St., Fredericton.
• Codiac Regional RCMP,520Main St., Moncton.
• Bathurstdetachment,900Vanier Blvd., Bathurst.
• Oromoctodetachment,4Doyle Dr., Oromocto.
• Sackvilledetachment,31Main St., Sackville.

People can also emailtheir messages of condolence to RCMP.Condolences-Condoleances.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Staffing levels maintained

Clarke said it's a very difficult time for members, but they are coping.

Commanders and officers in the Amherst detachment have said the community support they've received has been "helping immensely," she said in an emailto CBC News.

We are keeping an eye on our people and ensuring that if they need time off work, they get it.- Jennifer Clarke, Nova Scotia RCMP

"That has ranged from people taking the time tothank them for their service, to the food, coffee and flowers that have been dropped off at the detachment.

"It's all appreciated and it helps us realize that the community has immense respect for the RCMP."

Staffing levels are being maintained, said Clarke.

"At the same time we are keeping an eye on our people and ensuring that if they need time off work, they get it," and members from other detachments can fill in.

Flags on allRCMPbuildings and establishments across the country will be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral.