By Cpl. Brent Ayers

Between the dates of July 31 and August 7, the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment responded to 107 calls for service.

Over this same time period in 2016 there were 80 calls for service. So… you get the picture considering that during the average week we may have 40 calls for service.

A quick break down of the files reported indicated: drug possession, thefts, noise complaints (lots of noise complaints), lost property, traffic complaints, mischief, break and enters, assaults and uttering threats. Also, Mental Health Act, fire ban and quad ban compliance issues. “Hot dog” complaints (no not the campfire types of hot dogs. A host of oddball incidents, including a “theft of cat,” which turned out, wrong cat!

Here are a few examples for your reading pleasure.

Thief pushes luck

A complaint was received of a stolen wallet from the Invermere area. The wallet had been stolen from a vehicle around 7 a.m. Debit cards had been used at the A&W, AG Valley Foods and Sobey’s. The suspect had used the tap feature on the card to make several purchases. A still image was brought to the officer that had been obtained of the suspect, including the vehicle associated. The male and vehicle were positively identified.

A keen investigator was out making patrols when he was flagged down by a staff member at Pharmasave. The suspect happened to be inside the store causing issues and had attempted to steal a lottery ticket. The male was arrested for two counts of breach of probation, two counts of theft under $5,000, one count of attempted theft and one count of driving while prohibited. The subject was lodged in cells and brought before a Judicial Justice of the Peace. The subject is being held until their first court appearance on August 14.

In-law’s vehicle impounded following impaired charge

A training officer with a newer trainee were on patrol driving southbound on Highway 95 near the Canyon RV Resort when a northbound vehicle without illuminated tail lights passed by. A traffic stop was conducted with the Alberta registered vehicle. The operator and passenger advised that they were just returning from visiting friends. Without prompting or questioning the operator admitted to having “a few drinks.”

There were other noted signs of impairment and suspicion was formed and the operator was asked to shut off the vehicle and to accompany the officers back to the marked police vehicle for breath samples. The Approved Screening Device “ASD” demand was read and understood and the operator advised that two and one-half beers had been consumed. The operator provided two valid samples of breath into two separate (ASD’s), both resulting in a FAIL. The operator was advised that they were prohibited from driving for 90 days and the vehicle, owned by their in-laws would be impounded for 30 days. Club Towing attended and towed vehicle for impound. The driver and passenger were provided a ride to where they were staying.

Wilmer turns out to nab would-be dirt bike thieves

A Wilmer resident noted two males running/walking a dirt bike in front of their residence. A pink decal was noted on the rear of the bike as it was being pushed and was recognized as stolen from a neighbour’s residence. The dirt bike was being pushed faster heading towards the wetlands. The complainant in this instance is a mother and turned into an angry mother bear taking chase after the two males, barefoot on the gravel and becoming angrier with each step. The young males were startled and in response dropped the dirt bike and fled heading out of Wilmer. The RCMP was notified and calls were made due to poor location and time constraints to several Wilmer residents who assisted in attempting to locate the suspects. Collectively, the community assisted in a quick apprehension of the two suspects located within an hour in Invermere. An agreed apology was made to the owner of the dirt bike who was genuinely upset. As one parent in Wilmer stated it takes a community to raise youth and everyone’s assistance was greatly appreciated.

Lawnmower stolen from Canal Flats

A Canal Flats resident called to report that his mother’s lawnmower was stolen from under her patio on Saturday night. The mower had allegedly been seen at a residence; however, it had since been moved at the time of this report. The lawnmower is a Club Cart, yellow and black in color and if anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of this mower, please contact the Columbia Valley Detachment quoting file 2017-1890.

Nothing taken in Edgewater B&E

Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a break and enter on Station Road in Edgewater. Someone had broken into the owner’s residence between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on July 31. An unknown person first attempted to gain entry into the residence by prying open a kitchen window. As they were unsuccessful they then entered the residence through an unlocked door. Once inside the individual rifled through some belongings and moved a blanket outside the residence but did not appear to steal anything. Nothing appears to have been stolen but the owner wished to report the information to police. If anyone has any further information that they wish to pass along you may contact the Columbia Valley RCMP quoting file 2017-1889.

– Cpl. Brent Ayers is a member of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

Article Share