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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck
Well… the summer has officially begun and is reflective in this week’s call volume … During the past week Columbia Valley RCMP responded to about 105 calls for service. The following is a small sample of those calls.
Building hit by truck in industrial park
On May 16 at about 4 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a single vehicle accident from an employee at MGM Industries located in the industrial area of Invermere. The complainant advised that someone had hit the building with their large truck and was still on scene. RCMP attended and noted that although there appeared to be no damage to the truck there was damage to the building; specifically the metal siding and interior. The driver explained that he had recently purchased the truck and was unfamiliar with driving it which is likely the reason why he underestimated the distance he had to the building.
Woman robbed walking home with groceries
During the afternoon of May 17 Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of theft from a female who advised that she was leaving downtown Invermere on foot when she was approached by two males who asked her if she wanted help with her grocery bags; she then became the victim of a theft. When police attended she reported that between 10 and 11 a.m. she was putting away her money after a purchase when she was approached by two Caucasian males in their late teens, early twenties. The males asked her if she wanted help with her grocery bags and then took the money she was holding in her hand. The complainant did not know who the males were or get a good description of them. The investigation is continuing, if anyone has any information they are asked to call the detachment.
Quick change a complete fail
At midnight on May 20 Columbia Valley RCMP observed a grey Jeep being operated without any headlights. RCMP pulled the vehicle over but prior to police confronting the driver the constable noted that the passenger and driver quickly switched seats in an effort to trick police. However, the manoeuver was easily observed and both occupants displayed signs of impairment. As the RCMP conducted the roadside stop it was quickly suspected that the initial driver was impaired. A roadside screening device was administered and two samples of his breath proved that he was impaired by alcohol and he lost his driver’s licence for 90 days and the vehicle was seized for 30 days. Another RCMP member then came to deal with the other occupant who was now in the driver’s seat and in care and control of the vehicle. The original investigator advised his partner that he witnessed poorly executed switch and that the individual also seemed impaired by alcohol. Being in the care and control of a vehicle while impaired is an offence and subsequently the new driver was demanded to provide sample of his breath. Both those samples registered on the screening device as a “Fail”; consequently he too was issued a 90 day driving prohibition.
Fleeing possible impaired driver invades Flats home
On May 20, at about 8 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report from an employee at the Columbia Inn, Canal Flats that a male was intoxicated, left the bar and got into a white Ford F150. Police responded and saw the male and the truck. When police tried to stop him he abruptly drove into a residential area of Canal Flats. The male was witnessed getting out of his truck and running into a residence. As police were trying to piece together the events another male attended to the outside of the residence and reported that he got a call from his older parents who were inside when an unknown male had just barged his way in; they did not know the male or what to do. RCMP then went into the house and apprehended the unknown male. The male was immediately arrested for Break and Enter, Flight from Police, Driving Dangerously and Resisting Arrest. Charges are being recommended to the Crown Prosecutor.
Interesting statistics reveal that during the week there were 17 traffic complaints, 10 abandoned 911 calls, 10 false alarms, eight thefts, seven Impaired Operation files, five Missing person complaints (all located safe), four motor vehicle collisions and 11 complaints about youth gathering and drinking.
