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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. Jeff Witzke
The past two weeks, January 23 through to February 5, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 97 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.
One killed in two-vehicle crash in Kootenay National Park
In the early morning hours on February 2, Columbia Valley RCMP was called to a collision in Kootenay National Park near Hectors Gorge. Members attended the scene which involved a SUV and transport truck. Of the three occupants in the SUV, the driver, was critically injured and sadly passed away on scene, a passenger sustained non-life threatening but serious injuries and thankfully the third passenger an infant was uninjured. The occupants of the transport truck were uninjured. The highway was closed for the majority of the day allowing the scene to be analyzed. The investigation is still ongoing however at this point the police are not expecting to forward any charges. The RCMP would like to acknowledge the local bystanders who pulled over and assisted with first aid.
Three charges from impaired driving enforcement night
On January 28, Columbia Valley RCMP conducted an impaired driving enforcement night. Extra members were scheduled and focused on check stops throughout the valley. As a result, three drivers were issued Immediate roadside prohibitions (two for 90 Days and one for three days).
Two reports of online extortion
Columbia Valley RCMP had two reports of online extortion in the past two weeks. In both instances the complainants were using Snapchat where they were friended and convinced to share some incriminating photos of themselves. The complaints were then told to send money or their photos would be sent to their family and friends.
These types of extortion have been ongoing for several years involving numerous forms of social media platforms. The RCMP would like to remind social media users to be very mindful while using these platforms and never share any information or photos with anyone, especially people you’ve just recently met.
– Cpl. Jeff Witzke is Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander
