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Elk Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. Debra Katerenchuk
Theft of Various Items From Apartment Building
On July 6, Elk Valley RCMP received a report of missing items from a locked storage shed unit. Items stolen from unit included: a 2005 Kona Cindercone lime green 18 speed bike with drop seat with an under seat bag for repair kit; a jacket with an orange tape tied to it; older skiās with brand name of black diamond starlight with Dyna bindings (yellow, blue and lime green in colour); and a Bissell carpet cleaner.
If you have any information regarding the above-noted incident, you are encouraged to contact the Elk Valley RCMP at (250) 425-6233 or remain anonymous by calling your tip into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You may also leave your tip on line at
www.crimestoppers.net.
Injured Female Mountain Biker
On August 18, at approximately 10:30 a.m.,, Fernie Search and Rescue and BC Ambulance were activated by the RCMP to response to a 61-year-old female mountain biker who had suffered a spinal injury on one of the bike trails near Fernie National Park.
The female was airlifted by helicopter from the trail by Fernie SAR and then transported to Fernie Hospital by B.C. Ambulance where she was treated for her injuries.
Elk Valley RCMP would like to recognize of Fernie SAR and B.C. Ambulance for their prompt and professional response to this incident.
Suspicious Male Leads to Arrest of numerous criminal code charges
On August 12, approximately 2 a.m., what started out as an erratic driving complaint lead the Elk Valley RCMP to making an arrest of male suspect who was charged with Possession of stolen property; Fraudulent use of Credit Card; Obstruct a Peace Officer; and Fail to Comply with Release Order.
The suspect parked the stolen vehicle at the Circle K, west of Fernie and was observed leaving the scene on foot. Some time later he returned and was recognized by an alert store employee, who contacted the RCMP. The suspect was noted to be walking toward the Stanford Hotel. Quick response by an Elk Valley RCMP Officers, resulted in the arrest of the suspect, who was located hiding inside one of the bathrooms of hotel.
The suspect, Justin Colby was held for court and his next appearance will be on August 31, in Cranbrook.
RCMP continue with their investigation and would like to thank the employees of the Circle K and Stanford Hotel for their assistance.
Balcony Fire in Apartment Building
On August 24, at approximately 11 p.m.,, Elk Valley RCMP and Fernie Fire Department responded to fire on a balcony of a condo at Timberline Crescent in Fernie.
The Fire Department contacted RCMP and advised most people were out of the building. It was determined that the fire originated by someone leaving a cigarette butt inside a dry flower pot. There were no injuries and everyone was accounted for inside the building, including pets.
Federal Quarantine Act (FQA) Order: Compliance Checks
Elk Valley RCMP receive regular requests to conduct compliance checks requested by the BC RCMP Divisional Emergency Operations Centre and the Public Health Authority of Canada. To date, enforcement for the Federal Quarantine Act has been minimal, however those that have been checked are complying. RCMP officers obtain physical verification that individuals subject to the mandatory order are complying with isolation and quarantine (self-isolation) requirements.
Damage to ground water monitoring well
On August 24, RCMP received information that one of the wells up at the Harmer Dam near Grave Lake had been punctured by 6 bullets making the well inoperable. The damage alone caused contamination to that one well alone which can no longer be used.
The costs to repair this well is approximately $50,000.
TECK had put in several other wells in this area sometime in early August of this year. No other damage was discovered.
RCMP has collected evidence at the scene which will be examined by the Forensic Identification Services (FIS). Please see pictures above of the one monitoring water well that had been damage by some unknown suspect(s).
If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Elk Valley RCMP at (250) 425-6233 or remain anonymous by calling your tip into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You may also leave your tip on line at www.crimestoppers.net.
Crimes Against Property: Prevention
RCMP have noted a slight increase in property crimes in the Elk Valley and recognize that crimes against property are often crimes of opportunity. The most common form of theft is for criminals to enter unlocked garages, sheds or vehicles. To help combat property crime, practice prevention by doing the following: remove keys (do not leave them in the ignition), wallets, cash and other valuables from inside your vehicles; ensure vehicles and home windows/doors are locked; close garage doors; turn on outside lights and put away your bikes, tools, and other valuable equipment.
Summer is not quite over yet and there is still some time to enjoy the regions waterways. RCMP would like those going out on boats to be prepared and use common sense to have a safe and enjoyable water experience.
Boaters are also to be aware of travel restrictions and public health guidelines before heading anywhere as well as ensuring mandatory safety equipment.
Listed below are some tips:
ļ· Stay in your local community;
ļ· Limit the people aboard your boat to people in your immediate household;
ļ· Maintain a safe distance of two metres from other groups while getting to your boat, or putting it into the water;
ļ· Donāt go boating if you are feeling sick;
ļ· Leave a trip plan with someone on shore;
ļ· Always wearing your personal flotation device or life jacket;
ļ· Watch your speed.
RCMP would like to remind the public to not ādrink and boatā as impaired driving laws apply when you are on the water. āBoats and booze donāt mix.”
Cpl Debra Katerenchuk is a member of the Elk Valley RCMP Detachment
