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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Sgt. Darren Kakuno
This past week, July 29 through August 4, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 119 calls for service. The following are some of the more notable files our officers responded to.
Deer struck and killed, truck rear-ended
On Monday, July 29, shortly after 10 p.m., the driver of a Ford F250 was travelling on Athalmer Road in Invermere when he had to brake suddenly in an attempt to avoid hitting a deer. A black Ford Mustang following behind the F250 was not able to brake in time and rear ended the truck. No injuries were sustained by any occupants of the vehicles, unfortunately the deer was struck by the truck and did not survive.
Kayak lost in Columbia River at Fairmont
On Tuesday, July 30, a Windermere resident reported he had been kayaking near Spruce Grove in Fairmont Hot Springs when his kayak overturned and he was unable to recover it. The vessel was described as a Canadian Tire brand double kayak, blue in colour. If anyone locates the kayak they can contact the Columbia Valley RCMP.
Report of dogs running on highway
On Tuesday, July 30, at about 7:45 p.m., police received a report of two dogs running in and out of traffic on Highway 93/95 near Radium Hot Springs. The complainant was able to capture one of the dogs. The attending officer took custody of the dog and conducted neighbourhood inquiries until he was able to locate the owner of the dog. The owner said her second dog had already returned home. Neither dog was injured.
Two-vehicle crash at Spillimacheen
On Thursday, August 1, at 10:15 a.m., a two-vehicle collision was reported on Highway 95 in Spillimacheen. A Ford Ranger was southbound on Highway 95 and was attempting to make a left turn when the driver of a Dodge Dakota started to pass the Ford Ranger. The Dakota struck the driver’s side of the Ranger. No injuries were reported but both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.
Uninsured vehicle impounded
On Thursday, August 1, an officer was conducting patrols in Radium Hot Springs when he observed an uninsured Chrysler Sebring travelling west on Highway 93. The officer conducted a traffic stop and confirmed the vehicle did not have insurance and the driver could not produce a valid driver’s license. Motor vehicle branch checks revealed the driver was also a vehicle impound candidate. As a result, the driver was issued a notice of driving prohibition and her vehicle was impounded.
Three-time gas siphon in Athalmer
On Friday, August 2, a resident on Wilmer Pontoon Road in Athalmer reported someone had been siphoning fuel from the resident’s vehicles and this had occurred on three occasions in the past month. The resident has taken measures to safeguard her property to prevent further thefts.
Foul play not suspected in hiker fatality
On Friday, August 2, at about 11 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP was notified of an overdue hiker on Pinto Mountain near Invermere. A 62-year-old male had departed for a hike by himself earlier in the day and failed to return. Officers attended the area and discovered the hiker’s vehicle parked at the trailhead. Officers searched the immediate area and were not able to locate the missing hiker. Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) was activated and they began a search at first light on August 3. Shortly after 4 p.m., SAR volunteers made the tragic discovery of the hiker who was down a rocky embankment and confirmed deceased. No foul play was suspected and the investigation has been turned over to the BC Coroner’s office. Columbia Valley RCMP extends its condolences to the family. RCMP wish to thank Columbia Valley SAR, Golden and District SAR, Kimberley SAR, Cranbrook SAR and Coldstream Helicopters for their assistance with the search.
Driver runs red because of bad brakes
On Friday, August 2, at about 10 p.m., an officer was conducting patrols in Invermere when she observed an Oldsmobile Intrigue begin to slow down for a yellow light then proceed through the intersection as the light turned red. The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver explained that if he had tried to stop for the light he would have ended up in the middle of the intersection because his brakes weren’t working properly. The driver was issued a Notice and Order to immediately remove the vehicle from the roadway until repairs had been completed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop.
Impaired driver without licence crashes, injuring two passengers
On Sunday, August 4, at 8:30 p.m., police responded to a single-vehicle collision on Windermere Loop Road in Windermere. The driver of a Kia Optima failed to negotiate a curve on the gravel road and rolled the vehicle into a ditch. The driver admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day and did not have a valid driver’s license. Two passengers in the vehicle were transported to Invermere and District Hospital by BC Ambulance with minor injuries. The driver was issued a violation ticket for no driver’s license, speeding relative to conditions as well as a 24-hour driving prohibition.
– Sgt. Darren Kakuno is Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander
