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Elk Valley RCMP Report
By Cst. Debra Katerenchuk
Elk Valley RCMP responded to 382 calls for service between October 29 and November 30.
RCMP responded to the following calls: 10 animal calls; five assaults; one assault with a weapon; three uttering threats against person; four breach of peace; 6 breach of bail violations; six cause a disturbance; 21 collisions; four harassing communications; five fraud; two Mental Health Act; 10 mischiefs; two missing persons (located); 19 suspicious persons/vehicles/occurrences; 10 theft under $5,000; one theft over $5,000; three theft from motor vehicle under $5,000; one theft of auto under $5,000; one theft of auto over $5,000; three criminal harassments; one distribute intimate image; three careless use of firearms; one intimidation violence/threat; one obstruct police officer; one possession of cocaine; one sexual assault; two trafficking under the Control Drug and Substance Act; one trespass at night; one weapons trafficking; 21 Motor Vehicle Act tickets; and 43 traffic complaints (moving-non moving).
Seven impaired drivers were intercepted by the Elk Valley RCMP resulting in the following: 3-90 day Driving Prohibitions plus 30 day impoundments; 1-7 day Driving Prohibition; 3 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP); and 1-24 Hour Prohibition as per Section 215 of the Motor Vehicle Act.
Silver Fox Liquor Store – theft of liquor bottles
On December 7, at approximately 3 p.m., a man entered the Silver Fox liquor store and stole two bottles of Kraken Black Spice Rum. The man was wearing a blue hoodie with a front pocket, jeans with light washouts in the front of the upper legs; shoes with yellow laces; black gloves; and a black balaclava covering his face. The man was associated to a recent model dark coloured Jeep Liberty which was driven by an accomplice who was waiting in the parking lot.
If anyone recognizes the man and or the Jeep Liberty are encouraged to contacted the Elk Valley RCMP at (250) 423-4404 or remain anonymous by calling a tip into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving their tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.
Traffic stop leads to numerous charges in Elkford
On November 25, while conducting traffic enforcement, an alert East Kootenay Traffic Services (EKTS) RCMP officer observed a motor vehicle contravening several Motor Vehicle Act offences. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the vehicle would not immediately stop. When the vehicle did stop, the male driver attempted to flee on foot from the RCMP officer. Once apprehended and secured in custody, the Officer located two handguns (both turned out to be pellet guns); a substantial amount of Canadian currency; scales used for the purpose of drug transactions; and quantities of illicit drugs. The lone male occupant of the vehicle even provided a false name to the officer.
The male faces charges numerous charges under the Control Drug and Substance Act; Criminal Code of Canada; and Motor Vehicle Act.
The male’s court appearance will be in February 2020.
Rifle threat in Elkford
On November 20, RCMP responded to a female being threatened with a rifle in Elkford. RCMP responded to a residence and made contact with its occupants. One rifle was located and seized near an outbuilding.
On November 21, 2019, a male known to the RCMP had turned himself in and had been charged with Pointing a Firearm and Assault. He is expected to appear in court on February 6, 2020.
Intoxicated male goes for leisure swim in Fernie Aquatic Centre
On December 7, Elk Valley RCMP Officers responded to a break and enter at the Fernie Aquatic Centre and arrested one very intoxicated man who was found sleeping inside the office on a cot. He was the lone suspect.
The man was charged with break and enter with intent to commit mischief and is expected to appear in court on February 12, 2020.
Update on search for Johnny Garszczal
Back on October 21, Elk Valley RCMP had requested the public’s assistance in locating Johnny Garszczal who, at that time, had three outstanding warrants for his arrest.
On November 5, Elk Valley RCMP executed a Search Order under the Missing Person Act at Garszczal’s residence and located a youth at risk. Police also entered into a Criminal Code and illicit drug investigation which led to additional search warrants being executed at Garszczal’s residence. Firearms and drugs were seized as a result of the searches.
Garszczal remains in custody and facing numerous criminal and drug charges. His next court date will be December 12.
Christmas in the Elk Valley
Elk Valley RCMP would like to remind everyone to be very careful on the highways while travelling this holiday season. RCMP will be out conducting traffic enforcement specifically targeting impaired drivers.
Please ensure all your gifts and valuables are securely locked inside your vehicle.
While out enjoying the festive season, please make arrangements for designated drivers.
Elk Valley RCMP would like to wish everyone a wonderful, safe and joyful holiday season.
Lead image: An Elk Valley RCMP cruiser and aurora borealis. Photo by Cpl. Dan Hay
Cst. Debra Katerenchuk is Elk Valley RCMP Media Relations Officer
