By S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen

Matevic Road B&E under investigation

On June 16 at 2:26 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP attended to a reported break and enter at a vacation property in the 1300 block of Matevic Road in Sparwood. The complainant reports coming to their property and finding the gate lock cut off and all their outbuildings entered by unknown suspects. The owners had last been on the property the week prior. There was a large number of tools and other personal items taken from the site, along with three shotguns. RCMP Forensic Identification Services is assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing. There are no known suspects or witnesses. While on scene, officers located another break and enter next door to this location with unknown items taken. There were similar events in the same area reported in May 2023 as well.

Elk Valley RCMP is asking anyone who regularly travels or lives along Matevic Road to check any surveillance cameras they may have for any suspicious vehicles from June 7 to June 16.

Anyone with information can contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 to speak with an officer or a person can contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) to report their information anonymously. Please refer to file 2023-1720.

Two-vehicle crash near Hosmer sends two to hospital

On June 17 at 12:01 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP attended to the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 3 just south of Hosmer near the Caldwell Frontage Road. Initial reports were that two vehicles were involved and had been pushed off an embankment with both having possible major injuries. EHS and Fernie Fire/Rescue were already on scene. Officers located a grey Jeep and a black Toyota 4Runner in the northbound ditch down a 50-foot embankment. It appears that the 4Runner had been making a left-hand turn heading northbound on the highway when it was hit from the rear by the Jeep, which was travelling at the speed limit of 100 km/h according to witnesses with no attempt to slow down. Both drivers were taken to Fernie Hospital for assessment of their injuries. Sparwood Towing attended to tow the vehicles from the location, with Fernie Fire continuing to assist.

Anyone with information or possible dash camera footage can contact the Elk Valley Regional RCMP at 250-425-6233. Please refer to file 2023-1728.  Our investigation is ongoing.

Injured Tour Divide rider helped by RCMP and Search and Rescue

On June 16 at 1:55 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP was advised of a possible injury to one of the Tour Divide bike riders within the detachment area. A rider had contacted his family via Inreach, stating he had twisted his knee and was unable to walk far to get help. Fernie Search and Rescue was advised and retrieved the competitor based on the GPS coordinates provided by the rider.

Hikers late for rendezvous aided by SAR

On June 17 at 2:03 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP responded to a call from a concerned friend who was supposed to meet up with her friends for a hike, but they never arrived at the trailhead. The complainant received a text from one of the friends indicating they were stuck in the mud. RCMP attempted to locate the friends along the Hartley Lake FSR, but had no luck, so called out Fernie Search and Rescue to assist. Fernie SAR located the pair in short order and got them pulled out and made sure they were safe.

Elk Valley RCMP note these are rather simple calls for our Search and Rescue teams, but we are thankful for the excellent resources available in all our communities to assist those in need. Our investigations are concluded.

– S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen is Elk Valley Regional RCMP Detachment Commander

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