By S/Sgt. Marko Shehovac

Boat operations

Last weekend seemed to be the official start for boat owners for the summer. Twice last weekend Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment heard of incidents where power boat operators were, on purpose, getting too close to wake boards, kayaks and other boats. In two incidents the careless operation put children at risk. Both incidents were described as intentional. Get the registration number if you can. Other people on the lake take notice of this type of behaviour and work at getting the information for follow up at the detachment. The detachment’s intention is to get the police boat out as often as possible.

Cram the Cruiser

Thanks for all the food collection during Canal Flats Days parade route and at the hall.

Reminder, Cram the Cruiser will be in the Radium Days parade on June 20 and July 1 in Invermere.

Road check yield in Canal Flats

On June 4, a road check in Canal Flats resulted in an ASD demand being given to a 35-year-old male from Canal Flats operating a ‘97 GMC. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days and the drivers licence prohibited for 90 days. The driver was also charged with driving contrary to restrictions.

Pay cheque stolen

On June 5, Columbia Valley Detachment received a complaint of a pay cheque that was stolen from the Best Western in Radium Hot Springs.

Six intoxicated adults trespass pools

On June 6, six adults were checked by police as a result of trespassing in the Radium Hot Springs pools after hours. All were intoxicated. A 2011 GMC pickup was impounded. Adults were transported to a local motel.

Plastic bullets used to chase bears off

At 12:38 p.m. on June 6, a mother bear and three cubs were not happy with how a campsite was set up at the Fairmont Resort Campground and decided to rip the camp apart. Probably the same mother that took over one of the golf holes last summer with cubs. RCMP and a B.C. Conservation officer attended. Plastic bullets were used to move the bears on. I suggest the club revoke her membership. People, we are in bear country so keep this in mind when camping. You may think you are safe because you are in a populated camping area. Bears just look at it as more food being available. Stay alert.

20 oz. memory loss at Pano

At 3 a.m. on June 7, a 58-year-old male from Calgary called 911 advising that he was at Panorama Mountain Resort and could not find his room and was lost. Police and Panorama Security located the male and determined that the 20 ounces of scotch he admitted to drinking might have something to do with his memory loss. Security assisted the male.

Dispute ends with bus ride to Calgary

A dispute between two adults in the Radium Hot Springs pools parking lot, at 3:59 p.m. on June 7, resulted in the police assisting the adult female catch a bus for a return trip to Calgary.

Finer lessons in life

One of the enjoyments I get in this job is my interaction with the youths in the community.

During Canal Days, while maneuvering the police truck (for Cram the Cruiser) in a tight spot at the community hall, I hear my wheels cause a large crunching sound.

It was clear from the sound that the object of the crush was large and pretty expensive. Turns out I ran over Mike’s helmet. I took Mike’s name, number and his parents’ names. The cost to replace the helmet is coming out of my pocket and I told him I will make it right. Lesson learned; mess up, own up and make it right. A valuable lesson to pass on to a young man.

As I’m working Cram the Cruiser I see Mike and other kids digging at a large mound of dirt. I’m advised by the organizers that they buried $300 in coins for the kids to dig up. Realizing my out of expense cost that I just incurred, I rushed to the mound and announced to the kids to stop what they were doing as I was declaring this mound a crime scene, in that I lost $300 in this area.

The kids stopped and were stunned for about five seconds then proceeded to tell me to pound sand. Thought of my options; however, realized too many witnesses.

Later I see my new friend Mike walking by with my favourite food item, buttered popcorn. I go over to help myself and he protects his popcorn with “why, you smashed my helmet.” Another opportunity for a lesson. I responded with, “if you don’t share your popcorn I will reneg on my deal and you can sue me for the replacement.” He shared. Smart kid.

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