According to a statement on his personal blog, 2010 World Series of Poker Championship Event winner Jonathan Duhamel is physically well after a home invasion and beating, but prized pieces of his personal poker treasures were taken during the robbery.
In the post, Jonathan admits that he feels “happy to be alive” after the incident on Wednesday. “I want to sincerely thank my family, friends and the numerous medias,” Jonathan writes on his blog. “Everyone gave me an incredible support since yesterday (Wednesday) morning. This helps me tremendously and warms my heart in this difficult period.”
Jonathan offered full details of what occurred at his home in Boucherville, Quebec, at around 9:15 Wednesday morning. “Two persons forced my entrance and beat me up and robbed me,” Jonathan begins. “After they threatened to kill me, I gave them all I had. They then tied me up and beat me, hitting me in the face and all over my body before leaving my house. I’m glad to tell you that I did not sustain any major injuries. I spent yesterday at the hospital and I’m black and blue all over but no broken bones, no blood clots, nothing to worry about.”
He also states in the blog posting that two of his most treasured poker prizes were taken during the attack. “The thieves stole some money, but mainly my WSOP champion’s bracelet and the Rolex watch that my sponsor, PokerStars, gave me to commemorate the event,” Duhamel admitted. “I won’t hide the fact that these two items have a much larger value for me than their commercial value, and I really hope we will be able to retrieve them in (the) near future.”
Jonathan finishes up the statement by saying, “I will now try to step back during the Holidays and spend time with my family and close friends,” Jonathan says. “I hope to get back to the tables soon and keep representing poker, my sponsors and Québec well on the international scene and bring back another bracelet home soon.”
Authorities in Canada should have little trouble finding the stolen items. Of course, the WSOP Championship Event bracelet is unique and, in Jonathan’s case, his name was engraved on the back. The watch is a Rolex Submariner, with a retail value of around $5000, and is also engraved with his name. Police are particularly on the lookout for some of the money that was stolen; while some of it was Canadian, much of the roll was in €500 notes. If they can trace whoever tries to pass those bills or cash them in, they may be able to get a break in the case.
According to Longueuil police spokesman Constable Patrick Barriere, the police are working off the theory that Duhamel was targeted by the thieves, which would potentially indicate that the culprits possibly staked out the Duhamel residence and waited for the right moment to spring the robbery attempt. The two men are reportedly white, with one of the men standing 5’ 8” tall and weighing in at 180 pounds. There is no description of the second suspect at this time.
Currently the investigation is ongoing, with the police questioning Duhamel yesterday to gain further evidence, and authorities and Jonathan have asked anyone with information on the case to contact the authorities. In his statement, Jonathan states, “I would humbly appreciate it if anyone having information regarding either of these items took the time to contact the police at 1-450-463-7211. Any information will remain anonymous.”
While it is unfortunate that he has been a victim of such a crime, Poker News Daily extends its best wishes for a full recovery to Jonathan after the attack; although he is physically well, we at PND certainly hope that his personal mementos can be recovered quickly and the culprits apprehended.
