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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac
Distracted driving
Even an old school Mountie continues to learn.
As a result of a discussion with a citizen in the valley I reviewed the Motor Vehicle Act which deals with using an electronic device while driving. I checked out the definition of “use.” When I read the definition I quickly realized that I was a frequent offender as I interpreted use as actually using it to speak or text on the phone.
I seldom wear a watch of late as I rely on my cell phone to check the time. I learned that the mere act of holding an electronic device in your hand, in this case a cell phone, was sufficient to be charged with distracted driving. Obviously there are a number of ways of being distracted but we are dealing with an electronic device.
Driving around town in my private vehicle I can see that we have an issue with driving while distracted. With our traffic safety initiative for this fiscal year we will focus on impaired driving and distracted driving.
When time permits we will be conducting specific operations, which may be stationary operations to target drivers using their cell phone or other electronic devices. The fine is $161 and it comes with points. The bottom line for everyone is we are going aggressive with cell phone charges. As a result, I searched my residence and found my watch.
Music turned down
At 1 a.m. on March 4, Columbia Valley Detachment officers responded to a noise bylaw complaint in the 1300 block 11th Ave. When the officer arrived it was clear that the music being played in a residence was too loud. The tenant co-operated and turned the music down.
Wallet stolen at Lussier
At 9 a.m. on March 5, Columbia Valley Detachment received a complaint of theft of a wallet from the Lussier Hot Springs. The wallet is described as a Green Guess type wallet. The hot springs is located in the Kimberley RCMP Detachment area and the report was passed on.
Warning equals three day licence suspension
At 2:11 a.m. on March 7, a 2007 Acura SUV was checked on 14th Street and 13th Ave. The driver had displayed signs of having consumed liquor. An ASD demand was given and the driver blew a warning. The driver’s licence was prohibited for three days. The vehicle was legally parked and not towed.
Shoplifting leads to doctor’s appointment
At 1 p.m. on March 7, Columbia Valley Detachment received a number of complaints of a female shoplifting from various stores in the area. The stores included Kicking Horse Coffee Shop, Canadian Tire and Sobey’s. On speaking with the 63-year-old from Golden and comments she made to the police she agreed to attend the Invermere and District Hospital to be evaluated by a doctor.
Another warning and three days off
At 1:11 a.m. on March 8, a GMC Sonoma was checked on 15th Ave. and 14th St. in Invermere. The driver had admitted to consuming liquor during the evening. An ASD demand was read and the driver blew a warning. Drivers licence was prohibited for three days.
Disturbance at hospital
At 8:30 a.m. on March 9, Columbia Valley Detachment officers responded to a disturbance at the Invermere & District Hospital. A 40-year-old male was causing a disturbance; becoming verbally and physically abusive to staff and patients. The male calmed down on police arrival and from conversation and comments police apprehended the male under the Mental Health Act and remained until he was seen by a doctor.
Close to home
Through the media we learned of another Canadian soldier killed while serving in Iraq.
The men and women killed in action are often very young and recognize the pain the family must be going through. With no personal connection, we will listen to the news, recognize the sacrifice then carry on with our day-to-day lives.
The recent death of Sgt. Andrew Doiron in Iraq has impacted the detachment and all those in the community who knew Cst. Lindsay Doiron. Andrew is Lindsay’s brother.
Lindsay worked on the traffic unit and lived in Radium Hot Springs until recently being transferred with her husband Cst. Christopher Ralph. At the recent Regimental Funeral in Moncton for the three fallen RCMP officers, Sgt. Andrew Doiron in military uniform was able to march side-by-side with Lindsay and Chris in formation with the RCMP troop.
Not the normal protocol so we in the RCMP would think it must have been quite the honor for Andrew, a non-RCMP officer, to march in a RCMP troop. And to boot, march alongside his sister and brother-in-law. Now I have come to realize that the honor was for all the Mounties in that troop who had the privilege to march with a hero.
