Randy Quaid & Wife Evi Arrested While Attempting to Cross U.S. Border From Canada—See Their Mug Shots

The two had fled north of the border in 2010 after bench warrants were issued over their failure to appear at a hearing over a California case, in which they were charged with residential burglary

By Corinne Heller Oct 10, 2015 5:40 PMTags
Randy Quaid, Evi Quaid, Mug Shot, U.S. Border ArrestVermont State Police

UPDATE: According to Vermont local news station WCAX, a Franklin County judge has set Quaid's bail at $500,000

Randy Quaid and wife Evi Quaid were arrested in Vermont on Friday night after attempting to cross from Canada into the United States, where they were deemed to be "fugitives from justice."

The two had fled north of the border in 2010 after bench warrants were issued over their failure to appear at a hearing over a California residential burglary case, in which they were charged for allegedly squatting in a home, which they say they owned. The 65-year-old Independence Day and Vacation actor and his wife had said they sought refuge in Canada out of fear they will be killed for their money by "Hollywood star whackers."

"On October 9, 2015, Randall Quaid and Evi Quaid attempted to cross the U.S. Border from Canada into the U.S. and were detained at the Highgate Port Of Entry," Vermont State Police said in a statement. "While at the Port Of Entry, U.S. Customs determined both individuals are fugitives from justice from the State of California. U.S. Customs notified the Vermont State Police of the outstanding warrants."

The arrest comes days after the Canadian Border Service Agency detained Randy for being a potential flight risk after attending a regular check-in, CBC News reported. An Immigration and Refugee Board member later ruled he was not but the actor was ordered to leave Canada by Oct. 14, the outlet said.

Reuters reported that the couple said they expected Canadian officials would try to deport Randy and that they would prefer to leave voluntarily and re-apply for permanent residency from abroad, the outlet said, quoting the actor as saying, "If I judge says we have to leave, we will leave...I can't be deported—that will screw up my ability to make films in other countries."

He and Evi, 52, have lived in Montreal for about three years and give updates on their life and legal case on their YouTube channel. After they first arrived in Canada, Evi obtained Canadian citizenship through her father. Randy sought permanent residency and was denied.

After they left the U.S. in 2010, California prosecutors sought to have the couple extradited to face charges of felony vandalism. The U.S. Department of Justice denied the request due to the lack of severity of their alleged offenses. Prosecutors had vowed that "should the Quaids return to the United States, they will be arrested."

"Upon further investigation and consultation with the Franklin County State's Attorney's Office it was determined both Randall and Evi meet the requirements to be extradited on their felony warrants," the Vermont State Police statement said. "Randall and Evi were taken into custody by Vermont State Troopers and subsequently transported to the St. Albans Barracks for processing."

Randy and Evi were transported to separate prisons. Bail was set for $500,000 for each. They have not commented.