By Sgt. Gant Simspon
Clearwater RCMP
Clearwater RCMP responded to 30 calls for service this past week.
On Sunday, Jan. 29 at 11:24 a.m., Clearwater RCMP received a call from the electrical services manager for Ministry of Transportation, advising of the theft of four electrical vehicle charging station cords. They had been taken from the Highway 5 charging station in Little Fort, B.C.
Each cord is valued at $2,000 and had been cut at the handles and the charger, likely for the copper inside. No surveillance, witnesses or suspects. It is believed the theft occurred the night of Jan. 27. Const. Van Woudenberg called the complainant, providing a police file number. The complainant advised that a similar incident had occurred recently in Ashcroft, B.C. No further details, no suspicious activity reported at the time. Investigation is ongoing.
On Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2:07 p.m., Clearwater RCMP received a call from a Clearwater resident regarding a truck on its side in the ditch in the northbound lane, north of Vavenby, B.C. Unknown if there were occupants, injuries or if the vehicle was running at that time, Const. Van Woudenberg attended and located the vehicle.
Van Woudenberg noted there was no one with the truck, a brown 2003 Ford flatdeck with sled carrier, and Alberta plates, registered to a 45-year-old Minburn Alberta man. Skid marks indicate the truck likely caught black ice, slid 180 degrees, hit the ditch and flipped over. Trees cut down behind the truck indicate there were likely sleds that were removed and driven off.
Neighbours in the area knew nothing of the incident. Fire and Rescue cut the battery cable to prevent sparking and possible ignition. Truck was taped off.
Const. Van Woudenberg checked the local hospital, and learned that the most recent person to come in regarding a MVI injury was four to five days prior. Const. Van Woudenberg called the registered owner who advised he and the family were at Silver Star Resort and the truck was supposed to be at home in Blind Bay. The vehicle was later confirmed to have been stolen, however, the owner advised his sleds were in the shop at home. The theft of the vehicle was reported to Salmon Arm RCMP noting it’s recovery in Vavenby. Investigation is ongoing.
On Jan. 29 at 7:50 p.m. Const. Tobin stopped a black 2008 Mazda 3 owned by a Birch Island man, driven by his son who was the lone occupant and was eastbound on Highway 5 at Miller road, travelling 162 Kph as indicated by Const. Tobin’s radar. The driver was read the mandatory screening demand, and provided two breath samples on two different devices. Both read “WARN.” The results were shown to the driver.
His licence was seized, and his dad’s vehicle impounded for three days. Discretion was utilized regarding the speed in part due to the driver immediately pulling over once lights activated and his ongoing respectful, cooperative conduct despite his diminishing circumstances. All paperwork was served and explained to the driver. A local towing company attended to impound the vehicle (provided with ILO copy and ignition key). The driver was driven home and all required paperwork was forwarded to the Motor Vehicle Branch.
Sgt. G.D.SIMPSON is the detachment commander of the Clearwater RCMP Detachment
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