Columbia Valley RCMP Report

On May 3 Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment received a complaint of hit and run in Sobey’s parking lot that was observed by an alert citizen. The suspect vehicle was described as a blue GMC Sierra. The witness was able to jot down the licence plate and provide it to the police. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle towed for no insurance

As a result of a May 3 complaint a ‘92 Dodge Dakota with Alberta plates was checked in the area of Sub Division Road in Windermere. Information from the registered owner was that the 39-year-old male driver from Invermere was not given permission to have the vehicle at the time. The vehicle was found to have no insurance. The driver was charged with driving without insurance and the vehicle was towed. Due to the circumstances surrounding the driver having the vehicle no further charges are contemplated.

Partiers dodge complaint

At 11:40 p.m. on May 3, Columbia Valley Detachment members were called to a disturbance complaint at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The complaint involved loud music and a party going on. When police arrived the music had been turned down and many of the people had departed.

Big family event earns noise complaint

At 11:55 p.m. on May 5, Columbia Valley Detachment members responded to a noise complaint in the 1500 block of 10^th Ave. It was determined that a large family event was going on and the organizers turned the music down and closed the door. No further calls were received.

No injuries in crash

On May 5, Columbia Valley Detachment responded to a single vehicle accident on Westside Road near the CastleRock entrance.

A 2006 Pontiac was off the road with minor damage. The driver was not on scene but police were advised there were no injuries. As the vehicle was partially on the road it was towed.

Edgewater disturbance attended

At 5:50 a.m. on May 5, a Columbia Valley Detachment member was called to a disturbance in the 5000 block of Macauley Road in Edgewater. It was determined that the disturbance was mostly a verbal argument. No assault had taken place. One adult male was spoken to and agreed to depart the area.

Cram the Cruiser

Dale at our Radium Rotary meeting came up with an idea to support the food bank. Dale does not come up with many good ideas but I have to give him credit for this one. I have approached the Rotary Club in Invermere and I believe they will run with this also. Every year during special parade events, Rotary will sponsor Cram the Cruiser. We will have a police car in the parade with the Rotary sign where people can fill up the back seat, trunk or the truck with food items for the food bank. This is a tradition we can start this year and carry on. We will advertise well in advance. Bring a food item and when the cruiser comes by you place your food item in the car. Now, for you dyslexic people that see words different it is Cram the cruiser. Anyone that Rams the cruiser, pays for the damage. Hope to have this going for the Radium Days parade in June. Will keep you posted. I have heard often that many of our friends from Alberta that cannot volunteer on committees to support their second community wish to contribute. This will certainly allow everyone to contribute to the Food Bank in the valley.

Insider trading information

There must be added stress on the son or daughter whose parents are police officers in a small community.

However, there are some advantages. One of the advantages and pleasures I had in Golden was my relationship with the youths in the community.

My son started Grade 1 in Golden and graduated there. As a result of being involved with his activities, the interaction and relationship established during those 13 years with the youths was the best experience of my career to date.

My son, in his partying days (still ongoing), happened to be with a large group of youths at a house party. Unfortunately for the kids it was just a few houses from ours and interfering with my sleep. I requested the officers attend the house and tell them to keep it quiet. The response back from the officers is the young man holding the party was not co-operating.

So, Sheriff of Mayberry kicks in. I phone the house in question and requested they put my son on the phone. My instruction to him was pretty brief: “ You have 10 minutes to decide who your best friends are and leave the house.” To my surprise no returning argument. My son turns to his friends and tells them it’s time to leave. When they asked why, he responds, “ Hell is about to descend and he’s bringing friends.”

No uniform required; I walk over to the house where uniformed police officers were waiting. I simply follow some partygoers into the house. Everyone is happy to see me; they ask how the hockey team is doing. Told them hockey was great and announced that the party is over. Walked through the house and cleared it out.

I stood at the door as they were leaving and I felt like a steward as people were getting off the plane. Thanks for coming, bye, bye. Thanks for coming bye, bye. Some kid obviously new to town or visiting from the big city stops and demands, “Don’t you need a warrant to do this?” My response, “Not in Golden, thanks for coming bye, bye.” Love small town policing.

Moral of the story is: if you develop a positive relationship with the kids they in turn will cut you some slack when you are in the thick of things.

S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac,

Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

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