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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. Jeff Witzke
This past week, Feb. 12 through Feb. 18, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 57 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.
Apparently mentally distressed person leaves hospital, knicks garbage truck and crashes it
On Feb. 14, Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to Invermere and District Hospital to assist in dealing with a patient who was suffering with some mental health issues. The patient had locked themselves in an unlocked vehicle in the parking lot. Upon members’ attendance, the person of interest was now in the hospital lobby displaying odd behaviours; however, not deemed a threat to themselves or others. Hospital staff and police attempted to locate other places for the person to stay but eventually was given a bed at the hospital for further assessment.
Early next morning on Feb. 15, officers were called back to the hospital to deal with the same person from the following night, who had walked away from the hospital.
Extensive patrols were made. However, the person was not located.
At approximately 9 a.m., police received a report of an unknown female stealing a garbage truck that had backed into a vehicle causing damages. The owner of the damaged vehicle was able to prevent the suspect from leaving while police were on route. The suspect was arrested for theft of motor vehicle and driving while prohibited.
Knife wielding loiterer spends night in cells
On the evening of Feb. 16, Columbia Valley RCMP was made aware of a person loitering around a gas station who had brandished a large kitchen knife. Members promptly attended the location and quickly arrested the suspect without issues. In speaking with staff, the suspect pulled out the knife and asked one of them if they would like to use it for cutting some meat and not in a threatening manner. The knife was seized and the suspect was lodged in cells for the night; however, no charges are being forwarded as the knife was not used in a threatening manner.
e-KNOW file photo
– Cpl. Jeff Witzke is a member of Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment
