Home »
Elk Valley RCMP Report
By A/Cpl Debra Katerenchuk
The Elk Valley RCMP media report for late July to mid August contains details of Investigations into: a male riding a train in the Galloway area; fire extinguisher thrown at window; unattended fire burn; S.O.S. on the Flathead River; group of hikers on Mt. Muir; theft of bikes; and a gas tanker on fire near Elko.
American rail rider rescued from grain car by police, treated and handed over to US police
On Friday, July 23, at 9 p.m. RCMP learned from CP Rail that a fly fisherman had heard a man yelling for help while the train was going by. After checking with CP Rail, officers were made aware that the train would be travelling through and stopping in Fernie. Officers spoke with the train’s conductor who believed that they may have a stowaway on board. It was soon learned that the male was stuck inside a grain car, banging to get out. The only way for the man to get into the grain car would be from the top. The man was treated by BC Ambulance Service who sustained no injuries. However, he spent two days without food and water. The man was placed under arrest for Trespassing, Mischief and Illegal Entry into Canada. Ultimately, the man was transported to Kingsgate Border Crossing and transferred into custody with the Idaho police.
Fire extinguisher thrown at window of The Fernie Academy
On Tuesday, August 3, at 8:10 a.m., Elk Valley RCMP received a report that at the Fernie Academy, person(s) had thrown a fire extinguisher at one of their windows. The incident may have happened on Saturday, July 31. Please contact the Elk Valley RCMPolice at 250-425-6233 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477, if you have any information in relation to this incident.
Unattended Burn Pile in Sparwood
On Wednesday, August 4, at 1:30 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP, BC Conservation Office Service and the Sparwood Fire Department responded to a large unattended burn pile. It turned out to be a smouldering fire contained in a truck rim in the Lower Elk Valley area of Sparwood. The registered owner of the property was issued a Violation Ticket for $1,150, under Section 10(3) under the Wild Fire Act by the Conservation Officer.
S.O.S. on the Flathead River South
On Wednesday, August 11, at 8:50 p.m., RCMP became aware of a vague S.O.S. message from a Garmin GPS device where six people were rafting on the river but did not arrive at their designation at the south bridge at the USA border. Fernie Search and Rescue (SAR) was activated to assist with the search of the party on the river. Garmin was able to assist by providing some emergency contact names and phone numbers for the device owner. However, police were unable to reach anyone belonging to those emergency contact numbers. Around midnight, Garmin advised Elk Valley RCMP they had received messages from the GPS device that they had found the missing six individuals. The group advised that while they were floating down the river they had encountered a beaver dam. When they realized that they could not float any further, they attempted to walk around the dam but were unsuccessful finding their way. The group decided to turn around and walk back to camp to where they were dropped off. No one was injured but quite exhausted from their day.
Hikers on Mt. Muir
On Saturday August 14, around 8:30 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP received notification from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Office of an In Reach Device Activation stating that four people were on the south side of Mt. Muir, and due to the lateness of day, were having trouble navigating down from the trails. Search and Rescue (SAR) was activated and updated of the situation on Mt. Muir. Within a couple of hours of IRCC notification, all individuals successfully made their way down Mt. Muir. Everyone was safe, healthy and no one had any injuries.
Super B Gas tanker fire at Elko
On Wednesday, August 18, at 9:30 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP received a request for assistance from the Elko Fire Department due to a gas tanker full of gas that had caught on fire at the Canco Hilltop gas station at Elko. The tanker was carrying approximately 40,000L of gas. Nearby was an estimate of 10,000 L of diesel. Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement were also on scene.
There was an immediate evacuation of persons in the area who were directed to the Fernie Community Centre. It was very fortunate no one sustained any injuries and everyone was safe and accounted for during this time. CP Rail was updated of the fire in the vicinity and they suspended their travel in the meantime. BC highway flaggers had also closed the highway in both directions. Elko Fire Department managed to contain the fire to the tractor and first trailer, and vicinity of the large tanks of gas. The cause of the gas fire continues to be under investigation by the Elko Fire Department.
Lock it or Lose it: Your Vehicles and Mountain Bikes
Elk Valley RCMP would like to remind the public of their duty and responsibility to lock all your vehicles and secure your mountain bikes. Please do not leave personal/business items in your vehicles. The RCMPolice have seen an increase in these types of thefts and would like everyone to be very cognizant in securing your properties safe from night-time thieves.
– A/Cpl Debra Katerenchuk is “C” Watch, Watch Commander, GIS, Media Relations Officer with Elk Valley RCMP
