By Sgt. Darren Kakuno

This past week, November 19 through November 25, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 47 calls for service. The following are some of the more notable files our officers responded to.

Five injured in two vehicle crash

On November 20, at about 5:10 p.m., police received a report of a motor vehicle collision at Highway 93/95 and Swansea Road in Invermere. The investigation revealed a southbound Subaru Crosstrek was attempting to make a left hand turn when it was rear ended by a Hyundai Accent.

The driver and passenger of the Subaru sustained minor injuries as did the driver and two passengers in the Hyundai. After further investigation it was learned the driver of the Hyundai had smoked marijuana within an hour of driving. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition as well as a violation ticket for following too closely and driving contrary to restrictions. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

$368 ticket for failing to stop for a school bus

On November 23, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report from the Rocky Mountain School District that a black Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on Hwy 93/95 had failed to stop for a southbound bus that was stopped and had its flashing lights and stop sign activated. After reviewing the information from the school district the driver was issued a $368 violation ticket for failing to stop for a school bus.

Fire not considered suspicious

On November 23, at 10 a.m., police were dispatched to a house fire at Highway 93 and Madsen Road in Radium Hot Springs. The residence was fully engulfed when members arrived. The occupant of the house escaped without injury. The cause of the fire is undetermined but is not considered suspicious. Radium Hot Springs Fire Department received assistance from the Invermere Fire Department and the Columbia Valley Fire Department.

Unlocked vehicles accessed

On November 23, at about 11 p.m., a resident on 15th Street in Invermere reported two young males rummaging through his vehicle. The youths fled prior to police arrival. The owner did not notice anything missing but confirmed both of his unlocked vehicles had been accessed.

Impaired driver charged

On November 24, at 1:15 a.m., police received a report of an impaired driver leaving Panorama in a white GMC Sierra. Officers located and stopped the truck in Wilmer. The investigating officer noted an odor of liquor coming from the driver, which furthered his grounds to read a breath demand. The driver complied with a breath demand which resulted in a fail. As a result of the failed breath sample, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside driving prohibition and his truck was impounded for 30 days.

Cram the Cruise Toy Drive Dec. 1

Columbia Valley RCMP members will be at the Invermere Canadian Tire store on Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accept donated toys for the Cram the Cruiser Toy Drive. This event is a partnership between the Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau, the Invermere Canadian Tire and the RCMP. If you’re in a position to, please consider dropping by and donating an unwrapped toy. All the donated toys will be distributed to local families in need of support.

Feed the Town Dec. 2

On Sunday, December 2 Sgt. Kakuno will be serving meals at the annual Copper Point ‘Feed the Town’ event. A traditional holiday feast will be served and the proceeds will be going to our local food bank.

– Sgt. Darren Kakuno is Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander

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