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Quick responses save Invermere man caught in avalanche
Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac
On March 6 Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment was made aware of an avalanche at Paradise Basin near Panorama Mountain Resort, that buried a 40-year-old male from Invermere who was in the process of shoveling his snow machine that was stuck.
An avalanche came down and swept the male approximately 50 meters. Other people in the area were able to quickly recover the male, found to be buried two metres in the snow.
The male was not fully responsive to the rescuers. A RK Heli-Skiing helicopter (pictured) was in the area and immediately attended. The male was transported to Invermere & District Hospital and then taken to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, where he was eventually flown to a Calgary hospital. Although the injuries were serious it is believed from last report the male is in stable condition. Our thanks to the quick action of the people in the area and once again RK helicopters for their quick response.
No injuries in morning crash
At 8 a.m. on March 6, the detachment received a report of a single vehicle accident on Athalmer Road. A 2006 Chevrolet van operated by a 60-year-old male from Windermere was west bound and lost control entering a ditch. No injuries to the driver.
License suspension for Canal Flats man
At 4:30 p.m. on March 6, a 2014 Dodge Ram was checked in the Athalmer Industrial Park. The 37-year-old male driver from Canal Flats appeared to display signs of being impaired. It was determined that the male, from conversation with the police, admitted to smoking marijuana recently. A small amount of marijuana was located and seized. No charges considered. The driver was given a 24-hour license suspension.
Double ditchings off Highway 93/95
At 8:56 a.m. on March 7, police responded to two separate accidents involving a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and 2000 Honda Civic going off the road on icy road conditions on Highway 93/95 near Wilmer Pontoon Rd. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch. Little damage to the vehicles and the drivers were not injured. Both drivers arranged for their own tow.
Constable’s advice followed
At 3:45 a.m. on March 8, Cst. Mazerolle responded to a complaint of an intoxicated 23-year-old male from Invermere refusing to co-operate with his brother and be escorted home. Once Cst. Mazerolle explained his options, the male agreed that maybe he should listen to his brother and be taken home.
Impaired driving charge for Dawson Creek man
At 2:30 a.m. on March 8, a 2008 Honda Civic was stopped near Petro Canada on Athalmer and the driver was determined to be impaired. It was learned that the 36-year-old driver from Dawson Creek had previously failed an ASD test where his vehicle was impounded. Due to the fact he had a previous impoundment, under the new legislation a second opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction was not an option. A breath demand was given and the male taken to the detachment to appear in front of a breath instrument. The male did not provide suitable samples and was charged with ‘Refuse to provide a breath sample and impaired driving.’ The male will appear in Invermere Provincial Court May 12.
Mischief and drug charges for three
At noon on March 8, Columbia Valley Detachment members responded to the Pinewood Apartments on a complaint. While walking through the underground lot a male was observed to be walking away from a tarped vehicle. Officers detected a strong odour of Marijuana. The first male attempted to avoid the police but was apprehended. Two other males appeared to attempt detection from the same tarped vehicle and were also apprehended. All three adult males are well known to the police. Drugs were seized from each of the males, aged 19, 20 and 25, who will be appearing in court. The vehicle that the males came out of did not belong to any of them. Additional charges of mischief will also be recommended.
Citizens on Patrol
With summer soon upon us the detachment is looking at strengthening our Citizens on Patrol volunteers in the communities of Radium Hot Springs and Invermere. Citizens on Patrol are active in both communities however more volunteers are needed to share the load. Should there be an interest in Canal Flats I would be interested in speaking to those who may consider starting such a program in that community. Should you have an interest to learn more give me a call at the Detachment, 342-9292.
Going undercover
This picture is just an example of what I have to do for the love of hockey.
When I worked in Golden I was involved with the Golden Rockets. During that time I served as an executive member, and one year the manager. Detachment members are encouraged to get involved in the community. Unfortunately my involvement often got me into a great deal of hot water with the boss at the time. Work and hockey would often conflict with each other.
We had a small group responsible for keeping the team going and I found that a great deal of my time would often be running around doing hockey business on work time. I call it getting out and meeting the public. Numerous times the boss sat me down in his office where he had to explain to me that my work and duties at the office comes first, and hockey not so much a priority. I had the lectures coming to me and I was prepared to debate, reminding him that part of our job is community relations and getting involved in the community and the youth.
I could only rightfully argue this point so many times before it wears thin. And, it was wearing thin. So I reverted back to my drug days and decided that a disguise was the only option.
