Columbia Valley RCMP Report

Last week the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment was called out to investigate a disturbance where the contractor hired to complete the District of Invermere deer cull was blocked from leaving an area and the people protesting his actions caused a disturbance according to information provided.

An adult male and adult female were recognized. Given the circumstances, the male and female were advised that recommendations will be forwarded to the Crown recommending charges of causing a disturbance and mischief.

The contractor, at that time, advised he feared the matter would escalate. No documents were served. Both were advised that they will be requested to provide a statement if they wished, so that Crown has as much information as possible.

I recommended they contact a lawyer for advice before providing a statement.

During the early hours of March 5 (5:30-6 a.m.) the contractor and associate were followed around by three vehicles.

At one time one of the vehicles pulled up alongside the contractor. The message /intimidation appeared clear to the contractor by this action. In another incident one of the cars was reported to go through a red light. The contractor and associate were unaware of their intention and contacted the RCMP. When the contractor advised he was stopped near Tim Hortons one of the suspect vehicles that was following, parked closely behind to watch them.

Police were contacted and the contractor was advised to remain at his location and not get out of their vehicle. Two police vehicles responded. An adult female was located parked watching the contractor. She was issued a ticket for going through a red light and cautioned that the next time she does a similar act, applicable charges would be laid, if warranted. The female following, parked very close to two large men. It is unknown who would instruct a female to do this.

She was fortunate that the persons she was following, and now watching for the purpose of videotaping, did the right thing by contacting the police and remaining in the car. Other less law abiding and peaceful persons may have taken other tactics. How would any female feel if she was followed by three cars, then watched?  Not a wise decision to put someone in that position.

The two other cars were located within minutes. One adult male was the same person involved in the first incident.  This male was advised that his actions this particular morning would be included in the recommended charges from the first incident.  Both males were advised that further actions will be prosecuted under the applicable charges if warranted.

Sections 175 (1) (a) (i) , (iii) Criminal code, 430 (1) (c ) and (d) and Section 264 (1) (a) (c )and (d) of the Criminal Code are applicable sections that were described to the police. You do the research.

Both males were advised that the police are aware of the sensitivity of the issue at hand and that I have instructed the officers to avoid arresting, unless placed in a situation to arrest. Simply gather all the facts and send recommendations to Crown for their decision if the circumstances so dictate. If the person continues actions that are criminal in nature then section 498 (1.1) (a) (iii) would have to be seriously entertained, and could be held in custody or released with conditions.

Every member in this community has the right to be safe and not fear for his/her safety.

I know many of the people opposed to the cull who have gone out of their way to support those who feel strongly about this, and I know full well that they do not support fear tactics, or want a person or his family to be in fear.

Those who continue to do so will lose some valuable support.  I agree with some comments I have read; things are getting out of hand.  In order to keep a handle on this I may be getting out of bed at 5:30 to prevent things getting out of hand.

A thing to remember, I’m not all that friendly between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.  The contractor has approached me and we have discussed concerns.  I am fully prepared to meet with those that oppose the cull and discuss issues where the police are or may be involved.

As always, I prefer lunch or dinner meetings.

Update floor hockey

DTSS students 2 RCMP 0.  Brandon Sage advised before the game his girlfriend and some of the other guys’ girlfriends were watching and asked us to let down a bit and let them have a win. His team is low in the standings.  Something he picked up on from the Rockies.  (Low blow).   RCMP is 3-1. One more win should solidify first place before the playoffs start. We felt safe blowing one game for the kids.

Unlocked cars remain targets

Unlocked cars remain targets for thieves. Officers are spending a great deal of time responding to these types of preventable crimes.  With summer coming on and resources thin, the detachment has looked at what types of complaints we have to drop from our plate so that we can concentrate on the higher priority crimes or investigations that require our attention.  We have looked at not attending minor accidents where the vehicle is off the road and no injuries, found property of a lesser value, and lost and found bikes.

We may have to take a serious look at taking and documenting the complaint of thefts from unlocked vehicles but will not require police attendance.  I am surprised to see the types of valuable property and identification that are being left in unlocked cars. Lock your cars.

Now having gone on the lecture tour and preaching this for some time I was surprised to learn this weekend when my wife found her glove compartment open. She asked if I had been in the car. I asked, was the car not locked? Her response, “I never lock the car at home.”

I was driving the car at the time of my lecture to her about the strong message I have been giving the community and now I learn the Chief of Police’s wife never locks her car! Unbelievable. At one point she had enough of the lecture and told me that I was speeding.  I reminded her, an unlocked vehicle trumps my speeding.  Meanwhile around the house, I am looking for my GPS navigator. Just when you think you know everything about your wife, Wham, you get blindsided.

By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac,

NCO Columbia Valley RCMP detachment

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