Home »
Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. Jeff Witzke
This past week, November 21 through to November 27, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 70 calls for service – many of which were motor vehicle collisions. Below is a summary of some of the calls for service:
Bear call produces arrest for Breach of Release order
On November 21, Columbia Valley RCMP along with BC Conservation Officer Service attended a residence regarding a nuisance bear complaint. There were concerns of garbage on the property causing a wildlife attractant. A bear was located and chased from the property. While at the property members recognized an individual and he was subsequently arrested for Breach of Release order and taken into custody.
Gas theft interrupted at Fairmont
On the night of November 21, Columbia Valley RCMP was contacted by the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort which reported that a guest vehicle had been the target of an attempted theft of gas. The vehicle had its gas tank drilled, and a hose had been inserted to syphon fuel. The theft had been interrupted, and some gas had spilled out onto the parking lot.
Fuel stolen in Radium
On November 22, a theft of fuel was reported in Radium Hot Springs. Overnight a hole was drilled in the fuel cell of the vehicle, and three-quarters of a tank of diesel fuel was taken. Video surveillance of the area is under review and the investigation is ongoing. Both theft of fuels are believed to be related.
Road conditions a factor in national park crashes
On November 22, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to a report of a single vehicle roll over on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park. The driver was conscious, breathing, and moving however was trapped inside the cab, which was on its side, with diesel spilling from the near-full tanks. The driver was able to self-extricate prior to Banff Fire Rescue arriving. He was checked by Banff EHS and declined going to the hospital. Banff Fire Rescue assisted with the fuel spill. Another motor vehicle incident involving a semi occurred nearby while members were on scene. Roads conditions booked to be a factor in both incidents.
– Cpl. Jeff Witzke is Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander
