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Elk Valley RCMP Report
By S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen
Elk Valley RCMP responded to 47 calls for service between January 24 and 31.
Ensure you have proper safety equipment when going into the backcountry
On January 24, Elk Valley RCMP was advised of a request from search and rescue for an injured 36-year-old snowmobiler in the Elk Valley area. BC Ambulance had also been advised and was directing Fernie SAR as per its mandate. An officer met with the SAR manager and confirmed the rescue had taken place, but had likely been delayed due to poor cell service and lack of an In-Reach or other capable device to use in case of an emergency.
The party who had called 911 was further contacted by the RCMP officer and they advised they had one friend with an In-Reach, but that they were not present in the group that day. They also stressed that Fernie SAR had been extremely professional to deal with during the incident. Elk Valley RCMP wish to remind the public to ensure they have proper safety equipment when going into our backcountry in order to facilitate a more thorough response from emergency service personnel. The snowmobiler was brought out safely without issue and received appropriate treatment. Our file is concluded.
Mischief to a gas pump in Sparwood
On January 25, Elk Valley RCMP responded to a mischief event in the 100 block of Aspen Drive in Sparwood. The owner of the Esso had reported that mischief had been caused to a gas pump at that location. On the 20th, a Caucasian man in his 30s could be seen getting out of a white Nissan cargo van and purchasing $50 in gas from the pump station. The slim man, further described as 5’10” with dark brown hair and beard, for some unknown reason took the diesel button off the pump. The security footage did not allow for further identification of the vehicle or the driver. The cost of the repair is estimated to be $200 dollars or more. Security footage was not able to be seized and the quality of the video prohibited further use. Our file is concluded pending more information being received.
A poor attempt at extortion in Fernie
On January 26, Elk Valley RCMP received a call from a concerned citizen requesting help to locate his 60-year-old daughter in Fernie. The man had received a call from a woman, stating she was his daughter and had injured her nose and was somewhere near the Fernie Courthouse. Members completed a search of the area given the cold temperatures, but were quickly advised by the complainant that he had made contact with his daughter who was at work and was fine.
It was determined that this was a poor attempt at extortion, where an elderly person receives a call, usually involving an “injured” child or grandchild, and then are usually asked to send money via e-transfer or other means to assist the “family member.”
Elk Valley RCMP remind the public to do as this complainant did here – once off the phone, re-connect with the person that was being represented on the call or someone that you trust who can help you confirm the person is ok and not in harm’s way. If you are unable to reach that person, then contact police if you feel it is necessary to do so for assistance. Our file is concluded.
Police investigating mischief in Fernie
On January 27, Elk Valley RCMP responded to a complaint of mischief in the 400 block of 2nd Avenue in Fernie. A homeowner reported the doors of his garage had been spray painted by a young female wearing a face covering overnight. A neighbour was able to show the incident, but there was not enough adequate detail to describe the suspected youth further. Other incidents in the area were uncovered, where the signature or marking “LOMIE” had been sprayed in black paint on two other locations. The very next day, the complainant called back, stating he had repainted the doors, but had a brief confrontation with a group of people, including a female youth who was confrontational with him.
The new damage included the name “LOMIE.” Photos and CCTV footage are still being reviewed by police. Anyone with information about this event can contact Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 or contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) to report their information anonymously. Please refer to file 2023-227.
e-KNOW file photo
