Columbia Valley RCMP Report

On May 21 at 12:46 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP received a dispatch of a two vehicle collision on Highway 93/95 near Dry Gulch. A northbound Toyota rear-ended a 2008 Mercedes at an estimated 70km/h. The driver of the Toyota stated that the heavily congested traffic in front made it difficult to stop the vehicle in time and the Toyota received extensive front end damages.  The driver of the Mercedes reported that he was slowing to a stop in congested traffic when he was rear ended by the Toyota. He stated that he did not believe she had been following too closely. Just a reminder that it is up to the person following to be able to stop their vehicle in time; three second rule is suggested.

Attempted theft of vehicle for sale fails
On May 23, it was reported to the Columbia Valley RCMP that sometime over the last week someone attempted to steal a 2007 Ford F-350 that was parked in a field along Hwy. 93/95 in Fairmont Hot Springs, with a for sale sign on it. Upon police attendance it was found that the door was punched and the ignition was damaged in an attempt to steal it.  It is believed this vehicle is still for sale!

Rebuked speeder becomes a lawnmower blade wielder
On May 31 Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to a report of threats being uttered in Edgewater. It stemmed from a speeding vehicle. The driver was yelled at and then stopped to confront the angry citizen with a lawnmower blade.  The driver had felt threatened and the blade was for self defense.  In the end both subjects were brought together and after much deliberation and soul searching on all sides the driver apologized. The attending member, however, still felt obligated in charging the driver of the alleged speeding vehicle for not having a driver’s licence.  All in a day’s work at times in small town Canada!

Magnotta sighting squashed

On June 2, Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to a possible fugitive sighting.  It was reported that it was believed that Luka MAGNOTTA, a wanted fugitive out of Quebec for murder, was playing guitar on the side of Highway 93/95. This male was quickly located and his identity was confirmed of not being the wanted fugitive and that this male did not even look like Luka Magnotta and the attending police officer stated that in recent news articles it is believed that Magnotta has fled overseas. We will investigate everything!

Man detained after wandering Flats with knife

Also on June 2, at 8 p.m., RCMP responded to a male with a knife in Canal Flats. Upon police attendance, after having received several calls, the male was quickly apprehended upon arrival and taken into protective police custody to be assessed by medical professionals. The male was treated for an alleged self-inflicted knife wound to his leg and was monitored by both Invermere and later Cranbrook Hospitals.  Cpl. Ayers wishes to acknowledge the good work and professionalism displayed by the Canal Flats Volunteer Fire Department in their tremendous assistance in helping the situation to be dealt with in a calm and practical manner. Thank you!

Speeding biker eludes police in Radium        

On June 4, RCMP were notified of a street bike driving approximately double the speed limit near the Radium Hot Springs Resort Golf Course. Attendance and patrols were made by the police. However, the street bike was never located.  As any long time biker will tell you there is nothing else better then the sense of freedom felt while riding, but this means nothing if you’re dead!

Downed man in Brisco likely had life saved
On June 5, at 6:30 a.m., RCMP responded to an assist ambulance call with a man down along Highway 95 north of Brisco.  Cpl. Ayers wishes to thank the concerned citizens who called in and acknowledges “again” the great work done by BC Ambulance, Dr. Gooch and the staff of the Invermere Hospital for quite possibly saving a man’s life who is obviously going through a tough time. It’s a pleasure working with you all, again!

In total the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment received 72 calls for service from May 29, through to June 5.
Cpl. Brent Ayers

Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

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