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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck
During the past week Columbia Valley responded to about 50 calls for service, below are just a few of those calls.
23-year-old pedestrian killed on Highway 93/95
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on December 14, Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to a motor vehicle incident on Highway 93/95 near Dry Gulch, which is located between Radium Hot Springs and Invermere. When police arrived they noted that there had been a motor vehicle collision between a half-ton truck and a pedestrian. Unfortunately the pedestrian did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation suggests a 23-year-old male was walking south bound in the northbound lane of the highway when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The male was wearing dark clothing at the time of the collision. The road conditions, although patchy with ice, did not contribute to the collision. The driver was not impaired and remained at the scene for emergency personnel. The Columbia Valley RCMP and BC Coroners Service are continuing their investigations into the collision and the man’s death. A traffic reconstructionist with the Southeast District Traffic Services from Cranbrook was engaged and is assisting with the investigation. Although the investigation is continuing it does not appear that there will be any charges stemming as a result of this unfortunate event.
$2,500 bike stolen in shed B&E
On Decemeber 16, at about 4:30 p.m., a resident of Invermere called to report his shed had been broken into a few weeks prior. The door to the shed was ripped open and a bicycle taken. The bike was a specialized red highway bike, approximate value of $2,500. Also missing is a blue Mastercraft air compressor, and three ice fishing rods. If anyone has any information they are asked to call the detachment or Crimestoppers.
Crash on Eagle Ranch Trail
On December 17, at 5 p.m., RCMP was dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on Eagle Ranch Trail; Police attended and spoke with both drivers. Investigation revealed that a red Ford F150 began turning left onto Eagle Ranch Trail in front of a west travelling white SUV on Athalmer Road. The Nissan attempted to brake but was unable to avoid the collision with the truck. After the collision neither vehicles were drivable. Both vehicles were towed and the driver that was trying to turn left was issued a violation ticket for turning left without yielding to oncoming traffic.
Copper Point crash result of impaired driver
On December 17 at about 9 p.m., dispatch reported a single motor vehicle incident at Copper Point Resort in Invermere. A third party complainant reported that a truck drove over the ledge in the parking lot and it was unknown if there were any injuries. RCMP attended and observed a white 2016 Chevrolet Silverado down a rocky embankment and the rear-end of the Chevrolet was stopped by the road below. Visible damage to the Chevrolet was the trailer hitch and the tailgate; possibly more damage to the undercarriage. Damage was notably over $1,000. As ambulance also attended the RCMP members spoke to driver and noted that the driver was not injured. The driver reported that they were backing into the parking spot and then went down the embankment. Police noted that the driver smelled of alcohol and admitted to consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel. RCMP administered an alcohol roadside screening device and the driver provided breath samples; both the samples indicated a “fail.” The driver was served a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition from driving and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
The following is also a few statistics from the week; four abandoned 911 calls, three respond to alarm dispatches, nine motor vehicle incidents, and five traffic complaints.
Members of the Columbia Valley RCMP wish to thank everyone for your overwhelming support in 2016 and wish you a very safe and Merry Holiday Season. Please take are on these slippery roads and find a ride if you are enjoying a bit too much ‘holiday cheer.’
