Photo: RCMP

The Chretiens were driving a 2000 Chevy Astro Van with B.C. license plate 212-CAV. They dissapeared Thursday, March 31.

The Penticton RCMP and US officials continue to investigate the disappearance of a Penticton couple after their family reported their parents missing on Thursday March 31.

The 59-year-old man and his 56-year-old wife failed to return from a business trip to Las Vegas.

The children of the Penticton couple grew concerned after the pair, Albert and Rita Chretien, did not return from their trip to Las Vegas as expected between Monday March 28 and Wednesday March 30.

The Chretiens were travelling in their light brown coloured 2000 Chevy Astro Van with BC license plate 212-CAV.

“We have confirmed that they did cross into Washington via Oroville on March 19, 2011 at around 7:05 a.m. that morning," says Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

"We had credit card usage on the 19th at 2:05 p.m. in Baker City, Oregon. The credit card of this couple was used for a purchase at a gas station. Washington state authorities are going to go down there and get us the video footage from that gas station so we can confirm whether it was the couple that used the card."

Baker City was on their proposed route, but police now confirm the couple did not make it to Las Vegas. They failed to book into their hotel and they failed to register for the convention they were down there for.

Family members are very concerned and note that this is out of the ordinary for their parents, adding that the Chretiens are local business owner operators, which has a direct effect on others as the pair employ a small staff.

"At this point in time there is no information or evidence that indicates foul play," says Moskaluk.

Anyone with information regarding this missing persons investigation are asked to contact:
The Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300
Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477
Okanogan County Sherriff 1-509-422-7232
Washington State Patrol 1-509-682-8090