By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck 

The past week the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment received about 60 calls for service; the following is a sample of a few of them.

Extensive damage but no one hurt

On October 19, at about 3 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP attended to a minor collision between a crew cab truck and a permanent cross walk indicator situated at 13th Ave., and 15th Street, Invermere. The driver was turning right to park and inadvertently cut the corner on purpose but because the obstacle was low he did not see it. He made contact with his truck on the yellow pillar which marked the cross walk. The truck damage extended behind the rear door of crew cab into rear quarter of the box. The damage was extensive but no one was hurt.

Video catches thief stealing booze

On October 20 an employee at a local liquor store called the Columbia Valley detachment to report that a male was observed on video camera stealing a bottle of liquor. Employees were able to identify the male on the video. Police eventually caught up to the male and spoke with him about the theft. The male, feeling guilty, wished to go and pay for the stolen liquor. The male was not charged criminally but advised that was no longer allowed at the liquor store.

Rowdy person arrested at Tim Hortons

Later that night on October 20, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report that there was a male harassing customers and swearing at the Tim Hortons located at the highway junction to Invermere. RCMP attended and found the male a short distance away and it was clear to see that he was intoxicated. The male continued his disruptive behaviour and was subsequently arrested. He was held in custody until such time he could calm down and be respectful, no further incidents were recorded.

Police looking for bear with mayo around its mouth

During the morning hours of October 21, RCMP was dispatched to an address in Fairmont Hot Springs. The victim of a mischief called police after his SUV was broken into. His wallet and spare keys were left in the vehicle; however, his tuna fish sandwich was obviously eaten while only crumbs remained. The keen eye of the investigator discovered bear paw prints all over the hood, roof and sides of the vehicle. The bear got into the vehicle by shattering the sunroof glass and exited out the left rear door. There was damage also done to the inside of the vehicle. Evidence also revealed that on the rear seat were smaller paw prints indicating that the bear worked with an accomplice. Either that or some smaller animal got into the vehicle after the bear had finished eating the sandwich. Police are still looking for a bear with mayo around its mouth.

Entrance to condos damaged

On the morning of October 21, someone called Columbia Valley RCMP to report that damage had occurred sometime over the night at the entrance to condos situated at 5240 Riverside Drive, Fairmont Hot Springs. There is a long cement wall with an end pillar and it appeared that a large truck backed into the wall when turning around. Damage could be in the area of $2,000. It is possible that this was not done on purpose. However, there was contact made with a red object on the suspect truck. If anyone has any information on this they are asked to contact the detachment.

Purse stolen from vehicle

During the evening of October 22, RCMP received a complaint that someone smashed the window of a blue Hyundai Entourage, while it was parked at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere. The culprit(s) took a purse from inside the vehicle. The purse was black leather with a long strap and pockets on the outside. Police encourage you hide valuables out of site when parking and leaving your vehicle.

Apologetic but charged

During the evening of October 22, Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort where a locker had been pried open and items taken. One of the items was a credit card, which was used at some nearby retailers. Police investigation revealed that a lone male was purchasing several items with the card before it could be cancelled. On October 24, the male was seen by police and arrested. He admitted he used the card and was apologetic. He was charged accordingly.

– Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck is Detachment Commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP

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