By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac

Many thanks to the community

On Saturday Cram the Cruiser and Windermere/Fairmont fire departments conducted a four-hour food bank drive blitz. We raised numerous boxes of food items along with over $360 cash. Our thanks for making this a huge success.

24-hour suspension

At 3 a.m. on Nov. 27, a ‘93 Chevrolet pickup driven by a 28-year-old male was stopped for speeding on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs. The driver admitted to having consumed liquor. The driver was issued a 24-hour suspension and his vehicle towed.

Helping out

Columbia Valley RCMP attended to a landlord tenant dispute on Stanley Street in Radium Hot Springs at 11:22 a.m. on Nov. 27. The power was turned off on the tenant. It was determined that the tenant was to be out by the end of the month. Cst. Mazerolle determined that the tenant, who had suffered a stroke, was in the process of moving but due to a stroke unable to handle three heavy items. Cst Mazerolle assisted with the heavy items.

Noise complaint

Police responded to a noise bylaw complaint concerning loud music at the Black Forest Trail units at 10:32 p.m. on Nov. 27. Music was turned down with apologies.

On a single track to charges

On Nov. 27, police received a complaint of a possible impaired driver. While patrolling for the suspect vehicle a 911 autodial was received from the suspect vehicle that was involved in a single vehicle accident on Westside Road. The 38-year-old male driver from Fairmont was located near the ditch stating an unknown female was driving. Police observed in the freshly fallen snow one set of tracks. It went from the driver’s side straight to the male sitting in the ditch and no other tracks. The driver was charged with impaired driving and fail to keep vehicle to the right.

Family dispute perceived as B&E

At 9 a.m. on Nov. 28, a report of a possible break enter and theft in progress in the 1300 block of 14th Street. It was later determined to be a family dispute involving property two male relatives wished to retrieve from the house. Cst Mazerolle negotiated with the people involved the eventual exchange of the item in question.

Stop drinking, grow up and quit acting like children

At 7 p.m. on Nov. 28, two intoxicated sisters were arguing at which point the police were called by one of the sisters. Police attended and determined that both females continued to drink and continued the argument. It was determined the liquor fueled dispute was over a male. Unfortunately, Cst. Mazerolle with his obvious negotiation skills, was not the responding officer. Instead they had to deal with Cst. Mohr who provided clear guidance. Stop drinking, grow up and quit acting like children.

Liquor theft leads to charges

Police responded to a complaint of theft of liquor from the Family Pantry in Windermere at 5:06 p.m. on Nov. 29. Investigation resulted in two males being charged with theft. One of the males was also charged with two breaches of conditions.

Escape

There is Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood and there is Escape from Salmon Arm starring me.

Having not just one prisoner but two escape from a locked jail cell while you are the senior Mountie working at the detachment is not looked upon as favorable to one’s career.

Two young offenders (very slim) were lodged in the cell by other officers; I must clarify without being properly searched. Both were put in the same cell and one of the males had a bush type survival hack saw that simply looks like a string but with teeth.

This was in the era with no TV monitors; the guard would simply make his rounds. The prisoners worked on the bars (different bars today I hope) and managed to cut enough to squeeze out.

As I’m doing paper work in the main office I hear the guard yelling and a struggle. As I approach the cells the kids barrel over me and head for the unlocked doors. I’m thinking how did these two get in the office? Guard is yelling it’s the prisoners. I run to the door and yell at the two to “stop, and get back here.” Really, first thing that came to mind. Sergeant in charge and the Corporal are called out from home to investigate and report to their superiors. They were not happy and vented towards me.

My response was: “You guys never had prisoners with survival hack saws cut themselves free from prison before?” In unison, “NO!” Ok, 1-0 for me, I win.

– Marko

Article Share