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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. Brent Ayers
June 18 through to June 24 the Columbia Valley Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to approximately 35 calls for service. The following are a couple examples of the files that were dealt with by our officers over the past week.
Multi-detachment effort tracks down three in out-of-province vehicle theft
On June 21 at around 4 p.m. a report was received from the Banff RCMP of a possible stolen vehicle that had failed to stop for police with an Alberta plate and described as a newer Blue Dodge Ram with tinted windows. Cpl. Gendron-Fafard with Cst. Big Country established a plan to apprehend the vehicle in Kootenay National Park working in conjunction with Cranbrook Police Dog Services (PDS), which is always willing to assist.
The vehicle was noted within 10 minutes of driving time east of the lookout. The licence plate was confirmed once in Radium Hot Springs. However, due to heavy traffic and taking into account public safety the vehicle was monitored instead of intercepted.
The vehicle was continually and tactically monitored up until just north of Fairmont Hot Springs where a spike belt deployment was utilized by Cranbrook PDS.
Three tires were instantly deflated and the pickup truck was driven in an attempt to flee off road 200 metres where occupants fled from the truck.
An adult female passenger was immediately apprehended by Police Service Dog ‘Denim,’ with his handler.
A heavy rainstorm hit the area but it did not impede the deployment of further local officers with the assistance from Kimberley RCMP to set up containment and tracking.
A subject had been viewed to be crossing the valley through the swamp.
At 11 p.m. Cranbrook PSD apprehended an adult male.
On June 22, at approximately 2 p.m., a third adult male was apprehended with the help of local residents north of Fairmont.
Two adult males and one adult female have been charged with Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000.
The truck had been stolen out of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, with a plate stolen out of Okotoks, Alberta. A stolen dirt bike out of Nanton, Alberta along with items from a break and enter in Calgary were all recovered.
The file is still under investigation. The out-of-province subjects have been released and their first appearance will be in September.
“In a small detachment these incidents can be taxing on resources. However, it does bring with it the opportunity for everyone to work together, including the community. Thank you
Public safety and remaining operational are key for the detachment’s officers
As everyone can appreciate Columbia Valley Detachment can become much busier through the summer season. Though this detachment and our officers do the best we can with many of the requests for community involvement at special events, we can’t do everything. Please be mindful that public safety and remaining operational is a key responsibility for this Detachment and for those that visit the area.
New commander arrives soon
Starting July, the Columbia Valley Detachment welcomes the arrival of our new Detachment Commander, Darren Kakuno, with his wife Heather, and family.
– Cpl. Brent Ayers is Acting Detachment Commander of Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment
