By Sgt. Darren Kakuno

This past week, August 13 through August 19, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 97 calls for service. The following are some of the more notable files our officers responded to.

Boat and trailer stolen

On August 13, a resident on Columbia River Road reported her 1992 Sea-Pro 204 boat and trailer had been stolen sometime over the night. The boat is white with black stripes and says Creston, BC on it. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police.

Impaired driving charge in Invermere

On August 14, at about 7:20 p.m., an officer was patrolling the Bayshore area in Invermere when he observed a Ford pickup leaving the boat launch. The officer recognized the driver and was aware he did not have a valid driver’s license. The officer pulled the vehicle over and upon speaking to the driver, noted an odour of liquor on his breath. A roadside breath test confirmed the driver had consumed alcohol and he also admitted to smoking marijuana prior to being stopped. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition and served a violation ticket for driving without a license.

Failure to keep right causes crash near Panorama

On August 15, at 10:50 a.m., police were called to a two vehicle motor vehicle collision on Toby Creek Road near Panorama. A Toyota Matrix and an Audi Q5 struck each other after the Audi crossed into the oncoming lane. Neither driver was seriously injured. The driver of the Audi was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep right.

Reports of fireworks being set off

On August 15, at 10 p.m., multiple callers reported fireworks being set off in the area of Lake Drive and Sand Road. Officers patrolled the area but were not able to locate the source. A fire ban is currently in effect and this includes fireworks. Those who are found contravening the fire ban are subject to a $1,150 fine.

Resident scares off would be thief

On August 16, at 12:45 a.m., a resident interrupted the attempt theft of a pickup truck on Cobblestone Trail in Invermere.

A male described as having shaggy hair and blue pants was confronted as he tried to steal the truck. The male fled to a nearby black SUV, which took off with two males in it. The SUV was described as having a louder than usual exhaust. As the suspect was running he dropped a wallet belonging to the owner of the truck. Please remember to lock your vehicles and remove all your valuables.

Inconsiderate, unsafe and uninsured

On August 18, at about 4 p.m., an officer and a tow truck operator were assisting a motorist who had struck a deer on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs. The tow truck operator was in the process of loading the damaged car when an Acura MDX proceeded to pass another vehicle while traveling through the accident zone.

The Acura was estimated to be doing in excess of 120 km/h. The officer pulled the vehicle over and issued the driver violation tickets for driving without consideration, passing unsafely and no insurance.

In B.C., motorists are required to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped alongside the road that have flashing red, blue or yellow lights. Motorists must slow their speed to:

• 70 km/h when in an 80 km/h or over zone;
• 40 km/h when in an under 80 km/h zone.

Drivers failing to adjust their speed or failing to move over may receive a $173 traffic violation ticket.

A few points for drivers and cyclists

Over the past week Columbia Valley RCMP has received several questions related to bicycle laws and safety. Here are a few points for drivers and cyclists to be aware of:

Cyclists must ride single file and keep to the right-hand side of the road as much as it’s safe to do so. A cyclist is not required to ride on any part of a roadway that is not paved.

Cyclists must not ride on a sidewalk unless authorized by a sign.

Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals and adhere to the rules of the road.

Cyclists must wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Drivers should shoulder check for cyclists before turning right and watch for oncoming cyclists before turning left. Scan for cyclists before you enter the roadway from an alley or get in and out of a parking spot.

Drivers must keep a safe distance when following or passing a cyclist. Don’t risk sideswiping or running a cyclist off the road.

Have a great week everyone and please be safe.

– Sgt. Darren Kakuno is commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

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