Smithers RCMP Media Release for the week of July 16-22
Police responded to approximately 109 calls for service during this week.
July 16 – Smithers RCMP responded to a neighbour dispute turned violent when one neighbour threatened another with a knife. Police responded immediately and were able to de-escalate the situation; no one was injured and the matter is still being investigated.
July 17 – Smithers RCMP received a complaint of drinking and driving near the bridge on Coalmine Road in Telkwa. Police arrived on scene and found three intoxicated male in the vehicle. One of the males was arrested for obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duties, as well as assaulting a police officer.
July 18 – At 2:30 a.m., Smithers RCMP received a report of suspicious circumstances when a woman out walking her dog near Lake Kathlyn and Highway 16 was approached by an Indo-Canadian male driving an older model Toyota or Datsun, single cab grey pickup truck. The male asked the female repeatedly if she wanted a ride and though the female declined the male, continued to follow her. The woman became fearful and called the police at which time the male drove away. Police patrols for the male and the vehicle were unsuccessful. Anyone with information about this or any other similar circumstance are asked to call the police. Police are reminding the public to be cognizant when out late at night to stay in groups and in well-lit areas.
July 19 – In the same night, Smithers RCMP handed out both a 12-hour suspension for liquor (with accompanying Motor Vehicle fines) and a 90-day immediate roadside suspension with 30-day vehicle impoundment. Both incidents were as a result of routine vehicle stops where the police observed additional offences.
July 20 – The RCMP West Pacific Traffic Services centered in Smithers are now in possession of a police vehicle equipped with an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. When encountering another vehicle, even in opposite directions at highway speeds, that vehicle’s licence plate is automatically compared to a provincial database and immediately alerts the officer of any alerts which may be occurring with respect to that vehicle, including no insurance, or the registered owner being wanted on a warrant, driving with no driver’s licence, driving while prohibited, etc. Police remind the public that a front licence plate is required on every vehicle licensed in B.C. and fines can be issued if a front license plate is not present or properly affixed.
July 21 – Smithers RCMP were called to assist when a boat capsized in the Bulkley River near “Idiot Rock”, close to Moricetown. An adult male and two young children were reported to have gone into the water. Two other citizens with their personal boats were able to assist the capsized craft and locate the two children who were wearing life preservers. The adult male was also located and there were no reported injuries. Police offer thanks to the community members who were able to assist in this emergency.
July 22 – Smithers RCMP is requesting public assistance with locating witnesses to the collision which occurred between the Smithers RCMP police vehicle and a transport truck on Highway 16 near Nineteenth Avenue, on Saturday, July 18. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to please contact the Smithers RCMP detachment at 250-847-3233.
Released by
Cpl. D.J. (Dave) Tyreman
District Advisory NCO (Media Relations)
North District
