By Sgt. Darren Kakuno

This past week, September 30 through October 6, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 58 calls for service. The following are some of the more notable files to which our officers responded.

Lack of communication results in SAR activation

On Monday, September 30 at about 1 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP was advised that five individuals had departed for Jumbo Pass on Saturday afternoon and failed to return home on Sunday evening. The hikers had planned to access Jumbo Pass from Argenta so Kaslo Search and Rescue was activated. At about 4 p.m., Kaslo RCMP located the hikers who had just returned to their vehicle. The hikers explained they were fine and they had always planned on returning on Monday, not Sunday. Anyone venturing into the backcountry is reminded to ensure they have a detailed travel plan which is shared with their family or friends.

Hit and run to garage in Fairmont

On Monday, September 30, at about 11:15 p.m., police were called to a hit and run at a residence on Wilder Loop Road in Fairmont Hot Springs. Officers attended the residence and observed damage to a garage door. The damage appeared consistent with a vehicle driving down the side of the driveway before striking the garage door. No damaged vehicles were located in the vicinity.

Local victimized by gift card scam

On Monday, September 30, an individual attended the Columbia Valley RCMP to report falling victim to a scam. The individual said she received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from Service Canada. The caller told the individual someone had opened 25 accounts in her name and she was liable for over $2,000,000. The caller requested photos of the individual’s passport and $1,400 in gift cards which the individual complied with before realizing this was a scam. RCMP remind the public to never give out personal information unless you’re confident you know who you’re dealing with and legitimate organizations do not accept gift cards in lieu of payment.

Drug trafficking investigation ongoing

On Thursday, October 3,m at about 1:30 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a black BMW near Laurier Street and Third Avenue in Invermere. While the officer was speaking with the driver she observed a clear plastic bag with what was believed to be a controlled substance. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and upon searching the male officers located more substances believed to be illicit drugs. The substance was in packaging consistent with drug trafficking. The investigation is ongoing.

Driver served fine for passing school bus

On Thursday, October 3, at 4:14 p.m., a school bus was stopped at the Setekwas bus stop on Highway 93/95 to let a student off the bus. The bus had its red stop lights activated when a grey BMW 528i slowed down then passed the bus. Images from the school bus were downloaded and provided to police. The registered owner was later served a violation ticket for failing to stop for a school bus. The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $368.

Three-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition issued

On Thursday, October 3, at about 8:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Mitsubishi Mirage on 7^th Avenue in Invermere. While speaking to the driver the officer began to suspect the driver had consumed alcohol prior to driving. The driver submitted to a roadside breath test and blew two “warns.” As a result, the driver was issued a three-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition.

Traffic stop yields controlled substances

On Friday, October 4, at about 1 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop with a red Ford F150 on Highway 93/95 near Hobbit Frontage Road in Radium Hot Springs. An officer observed what appeared to be a controlled substance on the dash of the vehicle. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The driver was searched and another baggie containing what was believed to be a controlled substance and a glass pipe were seized. The investigation into this individual is ongoing.

Check stop produces three-day IRP

On Friday, October 4, at about 11:30 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP officers conducted a check stop near Lakeview Road and Athalmer Road in Invermere. While speaking to the driver of a GMC pickup an officer noted an odour of liquor coming from the driver. The driver admitted to consuming several beers prior to driving. The driver complied with a roadside breath demand and blew a “warn.” As a result, the driver was issued a three-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition.

Sgt. Darren Kakuno is Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander

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