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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. L-P. Gendron-Fafard
This past week, July 15 through July 21, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 71 calls for service. The following are some of the more notable files to which our officers responded.
Overdue cyclist located
On Monday, July 15, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of an overdue bicyclist, The male had departed Banff, Alta. on July 14, and was due to arrive in Radium Hot Springs that same day. The complainant indicated that the male did not make it to Radium Hot Springs. Columbia Valley RCMP contacted the Kootenay National Park Warden who alerted all staff in the park. A few minutes later, a Kootenay Park Warden located the male in Kootenay Park. The male had unexpectedly spent the night in the park as he became exhausted. The male was in good health and well equipped for the night.
Dogs left in idling truck
On Tuesday, July 16, Columbia Valley RCMP received a bylaw complaint that there was a truck idling in Invermere, with dogs inside. The complainant was concerned for the two dogs in the truck as they were barking. Members joined Invermere District Bylaw Enforcement on site and spoke to the complainants and the owner of the vehicle. The owner was made aware of the no-idling bylaw in Invermere and advised police that the air conditioning was on and that her animals were in no distress. Police would like to remind the public that most businesses are pets friendly in the valley and are welcome in multiple locations. Also, do not take it upon yourself to break into a vehicle to access pets, contact police or your local bylaw service for assistance.
Minor injuries in Highway 93/95 crash
On the evening of Wednesday, July 17, Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to assist BC Ambulance Service on Highway 93/95 near Radium Hot Springs for a single vehicle rollover. Upon arrival, officers observed a white BMW with airbags deployed facing north in the northbound lane of Highway 93/95. The driver stated that he was travelling north and attempted to overtake another vehicle. The driver stated that he believed he was travelling between 100 and 110 km/h when he pulled out to overtake the other vehicle. The driver said that he immediately hydroplaned, spun, and tried correcting before hitting the northbound ditch and losing control. Road conditions were wet with pooling water and the weather was cloudy with rain. The driver and passenger had minor injuries and were both transported to the Invermere & District Hospital. Police issued the driver a violation ticket for speed relative to conditions.
Abrupt slow and turn produces crash
On Friday, July 19, RCMP was dispatched to a collision on Hwy. 93/95 in Fairmont Hot Springs at the intersection of Columbia Lake Road, that could possibly be a hit and run. Police attended and learned that both vehicles involved in the collision were at the scene. Both vehicles were southbound on Highway 93/95 when a truck in front of them did an abrupt slow down and made a left turn into Columbia Lake Road. The first vehicle stopped in time but the vehicle behind didn’t stop in time and rear ended the first vehicle. The first vehicle sustained minor scratches to the rear driver side bumper. The vehicle that failed to stop had major damage to the front passenger side bumper and the front airbags were deployed. Passengers from the second were transported to the Invermere & District Hospital as a precautionary measure.
Windermere wedding party quieted
On the evening Saturday, July 20, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a loud party in Windermere. Police attended and located a wedding taking place on the property with loud music and some very happy wedding guests next to a camp fire. The property owner understood the issue and turned down the music and said she would start directing the louder guests into the house to be polite to neighbours.
Smooth ride for Bull Riding in the Rockies
Columbia Valley RCMP officers were present during the Bull Riding in the Rockies event and are happy to report that there was no arrests linked to the event. We were glad to be able to speak with many locals and visitors during and after the event. Have a good week!
– Cpl. L-P. Gendron-Fafard is a member of Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment
