By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck

This week the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to about 45 calls for service; last year that number hovered around 70. The following is a summary of a couple of the more interesting calls.

Wilmer tire fire appears again on Halloween

During the very early morning hours of October 31, RCMP received a call of a tire fire near the village of Wilmer; fire personnel attended and put out the blaze. We’re not sure if these are the ghosts of Halloween past committing this traditional mischief but perhaps a visit from the ghosts of RCMP future can eventually stifle this tradition which poses risk to fire personnel, vehicles and structures.

Snow dump causes eight crashes

We experienced a significant snow event on the morning of November 1 and subsequently Columbia Valley RCMP responded to eight reports of motor vehicle incidents; most of the calls surrounded vehicles sliding off the roadways and into the ditch. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt. Many vehicles did not have appropriate winter tires and coupled with extremely icy roads, ultimately slid sideways.

Poorly prepared lost hunter found

On November 1, at about noon, a hunter from Golden called to report himself as lost near Radium Hot Springs. While he was hunting he got turned around and lost. The RCMP police dog service out of Cranbrook and the local Search and Rescue team was activated. He was found a short time later; he was elated to see police as he was not dressed to spend the night outside.

Buddy ’16 beers’ gets busted again

On November 1, at about 9:30 p.m., RCMP was attending to a vehicle stuck off the road near one of the local golf clubs when they were approached by a pick-up truck. When police went to speak to the driver of the pick-up they could immediately smell liquor emanating from the cab of the truck. The driver, who was prohibited from operating motor vehicles at the time because of recent impaired driving offences, was asked if he had any alcohol to drink prior to driving. He replied “16 beers.”  Consequently, he was arrested for impaired driving once again; the vehicle, which was uninsured and not registered, was impounded. The male was transported to the detachment where he provided two samples of his breath; both results fell well over the legal limit. He was given a court date in February to answer to the charges.

Angry drunk smashes glass door

On November 4, at approximately 11 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to a report of an intoxicated male at a local resort who had just broken through a pane of glass in the front door. BC Ambulance personnel and RCMP officers attended and located a male who was intoxicated and bloody.

Officers learned the male was intoxicated and was asked to leave the property by resort staff but instead of departing peacefully, he took out his drunken anger at the glass door. The male had deep lacerations to his forearm and side. He eventually calmed down enough to be transported to the hospital.  Criminal charges are not being considered at this time.

Playground zones and traffic lights under enforcement spot light

Every month we have been targeting traffic violations based on provincial initiatives and seasonal demands. This month we are going to do something a little different. Local residents have expressed their concern for a couple of prolific areas that need some police attention; that being playground zones especially near Westside Park and traffic light enforcement.

Therefore, we will be monitoring speeds in playground zones and looking for those drivers who are speeding through the yellow lights. With recent icy roads, the ability to stop has been dramatically impacted and could translate into tragedy if you are speeding and have to stop quickly. Please slow down for everyone’s safety.

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

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