Columbia Valley RCMP Report

Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 44 calls for service over the past week. A few of the more noteworthy calls are highlighted below, including one that was overlooked from the previous week.

On Dec. 21 at approximately 10:20 p.m., complainant Marko Shehovac reported being in a motor vehicle accident while driving northbound on Hwy 93/95 at Radium Hill, Radium Hot Springs. While minding his own business and sipping on a fresh hot Tim Horton’s coffee, out of nowhere a bighorn sheep had the audacity to step out in the direction of travel of Shehovac’s green 2005 GMC Sierra, which resulted in Shehovac striking the “posterior” end of the sheep. The resulting impact caused the truck to sustain significant front end damage. After this impact the sheep looked back over its shoulder, smirked, puffed out its chest, and ran off into the woods with a feeling of success for the lack of defeat.

Cst. Harper and Cpl. Simpson attended, only to observe a rattled Shehovac had flagged down a passerby, given them directions, and sent them into the woods to find the sheep that had created such a catastrophic blemish on his beloved truck. Last bystander report received was that the sheep was southbound laughing and grinning from horn-to-horn. Luckily Shehovac escaped injury as did his coffee. His vehicle was determined drivable by the mechanically inclined Cpl. Simpson, who had tidied up the front end to make it somewhat roadworthy. Cst. Harper explained the whole process to Shehovac on what steps needed to be taken next when someone is involved in a collision. Shehovac was provided a file number for insurance purposes. Cpl. Simpson and Cst. Harper ensured Shehovac was not too overly shaken up to continue driving. They would have otherwise had to call his wife to come and pick him up from the scene. Photos were taken as proof and the sheep will live another day! As for Shehovac’s truck, once repaired, it will eventually make it back to the roadways, although not anywhere near as rugged as it once was.

Sheep – 1 / SHEHOVAC – 0.

Local police in holiday spirit!

On Dec. 30, at approximately 2:09 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Ford Ranger at 12th Avenue and 2nd Street, Invermere, due to the vehicle exceeding the 35 km/h speed limit. The driver admitted to police that he had consumed three beers over the course of the evening.

The investigating member could detect a very slight smell of liquor emanating from the vehicle compartment so he read the ASD demand and at 2:20 a.m. the driver provided a breath sample resulting in a WARN.  Police proceeded by way of an Immediate Roadside Prohibition process. The driver requested a second breath sample. However, a second valid ASD was not available to complete the IRP process. Due to the requirements of the IRP not able to be fulfilled police served a 24-hour prohibition upon the driver and seized his driver’s license.

More holiday giving

On December 27, at approximately 1 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP members were conducting ski patrols on snowboards at Panorama Mountain Village. While going down 1000 Peaks run, police observed two males lying down in the snow on the side of the run. It appeared that the two males were smoking marijuana. Other members of the public were present and skiing and snowboarding nearby, including children. Police approached the males, smelled marijuana and observed the two males smoke it. The members identified themselves as police officers and advised the culprits that they were under arrest. A search of the males incidental to arrest found 1.5 joints which were seized. The males were cooperative and admitted that their actions weren’t smart and unsafe. Police reported the incident to ski patrol and advised that an RCMP file would be created. The members exercised their officer discretion and decided not to pursue charges – this time!

Post office vandalized

On Dec. 30, police were dispatched to a mischief complaint that occurred at the Canada Post Office, located at 710 12th St, in Invermere. Upon arrival police met with the complainant,  who indicated that the bottom window of the front door was damaged. The shape of the cracks in the window clearly showed that something hit the glass near its middle. Police looked around for a rock but could not find any sign of something that could have been used to break the glass at the scene. Police obtained photos, and an audio statement from the complainant. No other sign of entry or damage found. Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this mischief to contact them.

Alarm in Fairmont checked out

On Dec. 30 RCMP was dispatched to an alarm complaint in Fairmont Hot Springs. The initial complaint was of a one hit front door alarm. Dispatch was not able to reach the property owner or the key holder. Once on scene, police cleared the residence. Nothing seemed out of place other than the front door being ajar. However, the investigators noticed footprints going around the building and noted that the person who left the prints had checked every door. Police called the alarm company to let them know that they attended and asked them for further information regarding the owners, as well as the key holder. The alarm company advised that the installer would be en route to deactivate the alarm. Members secured the front door and left. Police also called the key holder to let her know about the situation as well as the alarm installer.

Stolen sleds found off Westside Road

On Dec. 31, a local male phoned the RCMP to report that he’d found some stolen snowmobiles and a trailer. Police attended and found a Black 2008 Ski Doo XP 800 along with a Silver 2002 Yamaha Mountain Max 600 with trailer in a field just off of Westside Rd at the 12 km mark. The complainant told members that he was driving to go sledding, when he noticed the sleds and called the owners who he knows personally. The owner was already on scene when police arrived. Both sleds had the ignition tampered with and the Yamaha had damage to the front and sides and rear light as well. Members helped the owner load the sleds and left after obtaining photos and details. The owner was happy that his sleds were recovered. Police are seeking the assistance of the public in solving this theft, by requesting anyone with information to come forward.

Cranbrook resident’s vehicle vandalized in downtown Invermere

On Dec. 31, a female from Cranbrook called to report that her vehicle was vandalized in the parking lot of the Boutique Motel (aka old Mountain View Motel) across from Invermere Post Office. The vandalism occurred sometime overnight of Dec 28. The vehicle is a black 2008 Cadillac CTS4.  Damage included:  tail lights smashed in, headlight broken, rearview mirror broken off, sun roof dented, driver’s side window smashed in, and a dent in back end of the vehicle. Approximate damage is $2,000. Police continue to investigate and are asking that anyone with information regarding this needless destruction of property to contact them.

Holiday spirit fading quickly…

On January 1, 2013, at 1:29 a.m., police were dispatched to a fireworks complaint. The complainant reported people on Lake Windermere shooting fireworks at each other. Members attended and met the individuals walking off the lake.

Officers began speaking to a male who was very intoxicated, had an open beer in his hand and was carrying three more. Police advised him that he was consuming liquor in a public place, which is a provincial statute offence, and that he had to pour out the beer. The intoxicated male did not listen but rather argued. Police offered the male several opportunities to pour out the beer. However, he would not and continued to argue. The male then took a drink of his open beer that he was supposed to pour out. Huge mistake! Police quickly arrested the male for Causing a Disturbance by being drunk and for being Intoxicated in a Public Place. He admitted that he was extremely intoxicated and so was placed in cells overnight to prevent continuation of the offence and for his own protection. He was released with a violation ticket in the morning.

In addition to these calls there were many more complaints police attended to involving alcohol related offences, fights/assaults, noisy parties, erratic and/or impaired drivers, disturbances, mischief and vandalism. Simply too many to list in detail upon these pages!

Cpl. Grant Simpson

Columbia Valley RCMP

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