Home »
Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck
During the past week Columbia Valley RCMP responded to about 85 calls for service. The following is an interesting sample of those calls.
Significant amount of cash stolen in vehicle B&E
On June 28, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a theft from a vehicle that occurred overnight near Brisco. The complainant reported that someone had gained access to a Mazda CX7 overnight and stole a wallet, which contained a significant amount of cash. The complainant believed that the vehicle doors were locked. However, entry was gained while not causing damage. At the time of the offence, the area was very secluded and there were no suspects or witnesses. This is one more reminder to lock up valuables, or better yet, take them into your house with you.
Water trampoline cut open
During the afternoon of June 30 RCMP received a report of a damaged water trampoline that occurred overnight at Indian Beach Estates in Windermere. The complainant reported that he had filled the toy up and left it on the beach overnight when someone had slashed a four to five foot hole in the trampoline. He advised that he had last seen the trampoline inflated around 10:30 p.m. and it noted the damage when he arrived the following morning. The estimated damage of the trampoline was $2,000 as it appeared the cut was a clean one suggesting someone used a knife to cut the hole.
Impaired father crashes while on ATV rip with children
On June 30, at about 3 p.m., RCMP received dispatch of an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) rollover on Columbia Lake Road at Fairmont Hot Springs. The complainant reported that a male had been driving his ATV with three young children on it when he rolled it over on Columbia Lake Road and Columbia Ridge Drive.
Initial reports suggested that it appeared one of the children had been pinned under the ATV and all received minor injuries; and furthermore, that the driver appeared to be impaired.
BC Ambulance and police attended and met with the children who had returned to their nearby residence. The driver of the ATV had gone inside the house and eventually came outside to speak with police. The driver advised that he had taken three of his children for a drive on the ATV and was making a turn when the ATV tipped over at a slow speed. During the conversation the RCMP detected an odour of liquor coming from the driver. RCMP also noticed that the father had glassy eyes and other indicators of impairment.
Subsequently, the father was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition and served a violation ticket for no insurance, no approved safety helmet and allow minor to be passenger without safety helmet. The 2006 Bombardier Outlander ATV was also impounded. The children were all treated for minor injuries by BC Ambulance personnel except one of the kids who was taken to the Invermere and District Hospital for further assessment.
Big fight disperses before police arrival
On July 1, at about midnight, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report that there were about 20 people fighting in the area of Lower Lakeview Lane and 2nd Avenue in Invermere. The complainant reported that everyone was leaving in different vehicles, one was a pick-up truck with a couple of coolers in the back. All people were gone by the time police arrived.
Check-stop nabs impaired Alberta driver
During the late evening hours of July 2, Columbia Valley RCMP partnered with East Kootenay Traffic Services and conducted a check-stop on the bridge leading in and out of Invermere. Dozens of vehicles approached the stop and were checked by the members.
During that time a Lincoln Navigator had gone through the check-stop driven by its 34-year-old owner. The driver showed immediate signs of impairment and was demanded to provide samples of his breath. He complied and both samples registered as FAIL. Consequently, his Alberta Driver’s Licence was seized for 90 days and his SUV impounded for 30 days.
Crack down on impaired driving this month
During the month of July, Columbia Valley RCMP will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. The perils of driving while intoxicated are well documented and there are heavy criminal and provincial driving consequences; for your safety and everyone else’s, please don’t drink and drive.
Some other statistics for the week saw 11 traffic complaints, seven abandoned 911 calls, 12 false alarms, and 11 calls relating to loud parties or drinking.
