Columbia Valley RCMP Report

Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment officers attended to a disturbance at a residence in the 2400 block of Kootenay Road #3 at 1:53 a.m. on Feb. 16. A 23-year-old female from Penticton was causing damage in the house. Initial police attendance calmed the situation down. However, the detachment members had to return to the residence. The female, who was intoxicated and continued to damage property, was arrested for mischief and lodged in cells until sober. She was released with no charges.

Possible overdose

On Feb. 16, detachment members responded to a possible overdose of a 28-year-old female from Calgary. She advised that she had smoked an item that clearly stated “not for human consumption.”  The female became sick and began vomiting. She refused treatment and was with a friend. Remaining item was seized and will be sent to the lab to be analyzed.

Poor conditions on Pano road cause of MVA

Columbia Valley Detachment attended to a two-vehicle accident on Toby Creek Road, two kilometres east of Panorama Drive at 5:18 p.m., Feb. 15.  A 2006 Nissan, operated by a 53-year-old female, was westbound, rounding some curves when she lost control on poor road conditions, and entered the eastbound lane, colliding with a 2002 Jeep driven by a 47-year-old male from Invermere. There was moderate damage to the vehicles. The driver and passenger of the Nissan were taken to Invermere and District Hospital with minor injuries.

Bank card loss leads to investigation

On Feb. 18 Columbia Valley Detachment received a complaint from a male who advised that he had lost his bank card not long ago and when he checked his bank account learned that a withdrawal had been made. Police were provided a possible suspect and are continuing the investigation.

Timely reminder

Last year a reporter from Alberta was about to embark on an overnight hike with another person to do a report on this person’s efforts searching for Big Foot. The reporter was to do a story on a male who in the past went into the backcountry who, in my opinion, was unprepared for long stays. The question put to me by the reporter was, “what is the backcountry like in our area?” He wanted some information before he made his decision.

The unfortunate avalanche death this week reminded me of my conversation with this person.  I told him that the backcountry is a coiled up rattlesnake ready to pounce at any time. The only difference between a coiled up  rattle snake and the backcountry, is that the rattle snake plays fair and will give you some warning when you are about to make a mistake by sounding off his rattler.  The snake is telling you to back off; you’re too close for his comfort.

If you heed that warning you avoid some severe pain or loss of life. A threat indicator! Our backcountry does not play fair and the only warning or rattling that you hear that  your life is at risk is your own knowledge, experience, observations and being prepared should it strike out at you.

A trained person (also stupid) can pick up a rattlesnake and know how to do so without getting bit.  You just need to make one mistake. The same goes for those who go into the backcountry with all the knowledge, experience, powers of observation, as well as being prepared. The backcountry just needs you to make one mistake. In regards to an avalanche, Mother Nature takes control and no mistake is required. The conditions just dictate it’s time to let her go. That’s the Backcountry for you.

At the end of our conversation, as I didn’t know what his decision would be, given that it was clear this fellow did not know much of the backcountry, I  asked the reporter for the names of his next of kin. I give him credit though for at least making some inquiries.

That is why I am thankful and appreciate our Search and Rescue volunteers, ski patrol and those experts who assist us with backcountry rescue calls.

S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac

Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

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