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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck
The last week witnessed the Columbia Valley RCMP respond to about 40 calls for service; last year that number landed just over 60. The following is a summary of a couple of the more interesting calls.
Lost skiers tough out night before rescue
On January 9, at about 3:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report from the International Emergency Response Coordinate Centre (ERCC) surrounding an emergency GPS beacon mapping near Lareks Lake and Sunshine Mountain, just west of the Alberta border in Kootenay National Park.
ERCC was able to contact the initiator of the beacon who identified himself and reported that he and a ski partner had become lost in the backcountry due to a sudden snowstorm. Parks Canada emergency services was advised and promised to coordinate a rescue. They were able to communicate with the lost skiers and informed them that because of the poor mountain weather and looming darkness the skiers would not be immediately rescued and that they would have to wait for a morning extraction.
The skiers were equipped for an overnight stay and replied they could wait. The skiers were rescued at first light and although cold, were not injured.
Assault at tavern
During the very early morning hours of January 13, dispatch reported an assault at a local tavern in Invermere. The complainant reported that he was punched by another male who was approximately 25-years-old. The result of the punch left the victim bleeding and a missing a tooth, he said.
RCMP attended and found the victim standing outside. The victim complained that the unknown accused was giving ‘attitude’ so he confronted the male and was subsequently punched in the face. After the victim was punched both men were apparently escorted outside. When RCMP examined the scene they could not see any dental issues and there seemed to be no blood. RCMP spoke to witnesses and no one seemed to know the identity of the 25-year-old male. The victim denied any medical follow up and eventually went home.
Hit and run in pub parking lot
On January 13, at about 8:30 p.m., RCMP received a report of a hit and run with a parked vehicle in Radium Hot Springs. The report surrounded a newer brown GMC truck that hit a parked and unoccupied BMW in the parking lot of the Horsethief Pub. RCMP spoke with a witness who stated that he observed a 2015/16 brown GMC pickup truck crew cab 4X4 backing out and striking the BMW. An unknown male driver stopped, got out of the truck, shrugged his shoulders and then departed heading north.
RCMP are continuing the investigation and are asking if anyone has any further information, or recognize the vehicle description they contact the detachment or Crimestoppers.
– Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck is commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment
