A man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in a torture case was arrested Tuesday night in Edmonton.
Dustin Ward Paxton was taken into police custody around 8:30 p.m.
Officers had been seeking Paxton in connection with the case of former Winnipegger Dustin LaFortune, 26, who was dumped barely alive at a Regina hospital in April.
LaFortune had severe injuries, including burns, and been reduced to a third of his regular weight.
He was unable to speak for a month. LaFortune's family believes he was beaten, tortured and starved.
On Monday, police announced a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Dustin Paxton on multiple charges, including forcible confinement and assault.
Tuesday evening, police from the tactical team surrounded a home in Edmonton's southeast end.
Paxton was taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives.
LaFortune's family members said they were relieved a suspect was arrested.
"Now that he's caught, it means there is a light at the end of the tunnel—that we can move on from here," said Ryan LaFortune, Dustin's brother.
"It was a long time coming. We knew it would happen. We're just thankful it has," said Marcel LaFortune, the victim's cousin.
After learning of the arrest, Marcel immediately called his cousin, who's still recovering in hospital.
"He knows (Paxton) was arrested and he's really happy," said Marcel.
Family members said they know the arrest is only the beginning and they're prepared for a lengthy trial and said they plan to be in court every day.
Police found Paxton living in a basement suite in Edmonton. His landlord said the man arrived about four months ago with only a couple bags of clothes and said his name was Jon Roach, from Vancouver.
Both Paxton and LaFortune are from Winnipeg but moved to Calgary about two years ago and were roommates, along with being co-workers at a moving company.
CTV News has learned Paxton has a long list of convictions in Manitoba, going back to 2001 and including convictions for assault, theft and break and enter.
Paxton was scheduled to be transferred from Edmonton to Calgary on Wednesday.
Calgary police will be taking the lead in the investigation. Officers believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
