By Cpl. Brent Ayers

This past week, March 12 through to the 18^th, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to approximately 43 calls for service. Here are a few examples of some of the files that were dealt with by our officers.

Hit and run under investigation

On March 13, Columbia Valley RCMP was advised by a vehicle registered owner that within the last 10 days someone had hit their parked car in the parking garage at 250 3rd Avenue in Invermere. An Alberta registered silver minivan had parked next to the victim vehicle. Damages appear consistent with contact made by this suspect vehicle. The registered owner does not have collision protection on their insurance as the vehicle was parked while they were on vacation. This file is still under investigation, however ultimately may not result in a definitive outcome.

Hit and run investigations can be difficult to investigate in situations where some drivers may not have actually known that contact was made and arguably the criminal intent was not there initially. Accidents do happen; hence we all pay insurance premiums.

If you are away for a period of time, especially where you may share a parking stall with others, it is always best to have someone keep an eye on your vehicle. This way damages that occur can be reported immediately. Unfortunately without insurance we all run the risk of paying completely out of pocket

Vehicle damaged by falling rock in canyon

On March 15, at approximately 6 p.m., a driver attended the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment to report that the vehicle he had been driving been damaged by a falling rock on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park.

The driver advised he was leaving the Radium Hot Springs pools when rocks began to fall in the canyon area of Highway 93 driving west out of Kootenay National Park. Damages were assessed noting a large dent, cracks and paint chips on the passenger side of the hood approximately eight inches by inches inches in size. Kootenay National Park advised of the falling rocks through Banff Parks.

It is spring (as I write this it is debatable, snowing ha ha) so drive accordingly and be aware of the surroundings you are driving through. Report any major road concerns to either Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting, or Kootenay National Parks, and in emergency situations such as run off or avalanche, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well.

Suspicious persons known to police

On March 16 at 12:16 p.m., a person called the Columbia Valley RCMP to report that two people who are believed to be living in the area had been checking a basement window of a vacant condo. The subjects are believed to have been identified and are well known to the police. Descriptions provided a match of this male and female duo. The subjects did not gain entry to the unit; however, that unit is known to be empty.

Some of the subjects involved may or may not have substance abuse issues. This is not an excuse, and all community members are urged to keep staying vigilant in reporting suspicious activity in your area, keeping an eye on your neighbour’s property, working together helps us all.

Charges likely thanks to video footage

On March 18, Lambert and Kipp Pharmacy reported that it has video of an identified male and female having stolen some items from the store during the day. These subjects are well known to police and many in the community and it is expected that upon completion of the investigation charges will be forwarded to Provincial Crown.

Thefts create increased pricing on the consumer in order to offset the security measures and time required for damages if applicable required by the storeowner.

Please keep safe and vigilant

Speaking on behalf of everyone working out of the Columbia Valley Detachment we will do the best we can with what we have with regards to quality policing service in the Columbia Valley Detachment area. Any questions or concerns in the short term can be directed to myself either through the main police number of 250-342-9292 or my work cell of 250-341-5644.

– Cpl. Brent Ayers is Acting Commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

Article Share