By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac

Trespass on railway property

Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment receives numerous complaints of people trespassing on the CPR tracks. Any such complaints that are investigated and founded can result in a ticket of trespass. The penalty is $115. CP Police will be conducting patrols and stationary surveillance on their property. We have experienced some tragic accidents as a result of risky behavior by those rolling the dice and trespassing.

Charges pending after wine stolen

On Feb. 18, Columbia Valley Detachment received a complaint of theft of wine from the liquor store next to the pub. Video surveillance has assisted the detachment in identifying the adult male. Charges are pending.

Property damager gets night in jail

At 11:09 p.m. on Feb. 18, police arrested an intoxicated 36-year-old male from Windermere with mischief when he damaged property at a family residence. The male was lodged in cells and released in the morning.

Matter resolved

At 12:39 a.m. on Feb. 21, an intoxicated adult female contacted the police advising that she had been assaulted by a friend while at the party. When asked what initiated the assault the female admitted to police that she slapped the person for no good reason. Matter was resolved when both combatants were told to stay away from each other.

90/30 for Windermere woman

At 3:05 a.m. on Feb. 21, police checked a 2002 Chrysler Intrepid on Hwy 93/95 near Windermere. A 42-year-old female from Winderrmere displayed signs of having consumed liquor. An ASD demand was given at which time the driver blew a fail. Her licence was prohibited for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for 30 days.

Expired plate vehicle impounded

At 8:40 p.m. on Feb. 21, a white Honda Accord was noted operating with expired plates on 13th Street and 10th Avenue. The driver was charged with driving without a valid licence and no insurance. Vehicle was impounded.

90/30 for 19-year-old

At 10:39 p.m. on Feb. 21, as a result of a complaint, detachment members checked a 2009 Nissan in the 1300 block of 11th Avenue. The 19-year-old driver had been consuming liquor. An ASD demand was given at which time the driver blew a fail. Driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded 30 days.

Officer assaulted dealing with intoxicated woman

At 11:35 p.m. on Feb. 23, police were called to a residence in the 700 block of Black Forest. A highly intoxicated female was refusing to leave a residence when requested by the owner. The 27-year-old female from Invermere was arrested for mischief. During the arrest the female assaulted the arresting officer. She was lodged in cells and released in the morning when sober.

Summer activities

If your organization has summer activities planned starting May long weekend that you feel the detachment should be aware of or you require some police involvement regardless of how minor, I would like to know what the activity it is and what dates so I can map out some of the detachment commitments to assist. In the past it can be as simple as traffic control or just awareness so patrols can be made.

Problem solver

One of the challenges I have found with police work over the years is the desire to problem solve without getting the courts involved or over-complicating things. Mediate, get people to compromise and get out.

So while having lunch this week with a couple of fellows, Al Miller, who happened to be having lunch with his staff, wanders over and comments to us that he sees that we have a heavy hitter patting me on the shoulder, solving problems.

I Informed Al that when I’m finished with this meeting I will come over to his table and solve his problems. I eventually wondered over to Al’s table and informed him that I would consider retiring, work for him and solve his problems but the wife has made it clear that we will eventually retire in Golden.

Al responds that I should just put my foot down and be the boss. I had to remind him that my wife gave me the green light to buy my dream fishing boat and my days of putting my foot down have come to a halt. Al, although the RCMP has taught me that consultation with the community is important, after you provided me with your guidance I purchased two electric downriggers and a marine radio without consultation or approval.

That foot you want me to put down, I just shot it! When Bev blows up I will let her know you told me to put my foot down and be the boss. So as you gave me advice I would do the same. Stay low.

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