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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck
During the past week Columbia Valley RCMP responded to about 100 calls for service. The following is an interesting sample of those calls.
Pilot’s tip on potential distress a logging operation
During the afternoon hours of July 4, Columbia Valley RCMP received a phone call from a pilot who had been flying a small aircraft from Kelowna to Calgary. The pilot called after he landed in Calgary to report that west of Windermere, deep in the Rocky Mountains, he witnessed a flashing light almost as if something was reflecting the sun. Consequently, he had contacted authorities; fortunately, he was able to relay the GPS coordinates of where he witnessed the light. RCMP then liaised with local Search and Rescue who made some patrols in the rural, remote area. SAR advised that both air and ground teams attended the location described by the complainant; there they found a logging operation with various machinery and they did not find anyone to be in distress.
Truck stolen in Radium
On July 5 a male contacted the RCMP to report that his truck had been stolen from outside of a work site in Radium Hot Springs. The Ford F150 was parked on Stanley Street while he was working on a nearby parking lot. The complainant stated that he parked his truck at 8 p.m. and noted it was gone at approximately 9 p.m. At about 9:30 p.m. he saw his truck drive by on Hwy 93/95. The complainant ran toward the truck but could not see which direction it went and could not identify the driver. He further reported that he left the truck keys in the console of the truck and the truck had less than a quarter of a tank of gas. Police did some extensive patrols but to no avail.
Young teens busted for school B&E
During the very early morning of July 7, RCMP was dispatched to an alarm at one of the local schools in Invermere. RCMP immediately responded and found an insecure door. As the police did a walk-through of the school they discovered two young males inside; they were wearing gloves and balaclavas.
Both kids were arrested for Break and Enter, Wearing a Disguise with Intent and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Both young males were transported back to detachment and placed into cells for holding until parents could be contacted and informed of the behaviour. The parents eventually picked up the young teenagers after they were released from custody on a number of conditions. RCMP is working with the school and the parents to determine the best course of action to educate the young kids on how to find more appropriate ways to spend their time.
Woman arrested for impaired driving
On July 8, RCMP was conducting a checkstop when a grey Grand Prix drove past the RCMP without stopping. The RCMP members, who were standing outside, immediately got back into a police vehicle and eventually conducted a traffic stop. While pulling over, the offending vehicle jumped the curb before it stopped. The young female driver advised she was confused at the checkstop and didn’t mean to go through it. A strong odour of alcohol was emanating from within the vehicle and specifically from the driver; she further admitted to drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The RCMP immediately formed opinion that the driver was impaired and made a roadside screening device demand of her breath. The driver complied and provided two valid samples of breath which ultimately resulted in a WARN indication. Consequently, the young female was advised that she was prohibited from driving. Roadside research also discovered that this was her second “WARN” prohibition as she previously had a recent three-day Driving Prohibition for a similar occurrence. Therefore, this time she received a seven-day prohibition and the vehicle was seized and towed.
Good luck and thanks for your service Grant!
This week we said good-bye to Cpl. Grant Simpson. Grant has been promoted to Sergeant and will be the detachment commander in Clearwater, B.C. During his time here he had a significant impact on the many schools, various hockey and soccer teams as well as those he served with at the detachment. Grant served the residents of the Columbia Valley for almost nine years and we all wish him the best at his new posting; they are getting a fantastic RCMP member.
Editor’s note: Thanks for all your work, Grant! You’ve been an exemplary officer and an excellent citizen of the Columbia Valley community. Congratulations on your new command; stay safe in Clearwater! – Ian
– Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck is commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment
