It was once again a busy week for the Golden-Field RCMP as police were called to respond to over 120 files. “This is usually one of our busiest weeks during the year,” said Cst. Spencer Lainchbury, spokesperson for the Golden-Field RCMP.
An increase in traffic for the long weekend saw police responding to 12 motor vehicle collisions, and dispatched 27 complaints of erratic or unsafe driving.
Noise Complaint
Police were called to Spirit Square just after bar close on July 27 after receiving a complaint from nearby residences that people were excessively screaming and hollering. “This is a common issue in the area,” said Cst. Lainchbury. “Bar patrons often forget that there are several residences on both sides of the pedestrian bridge with people who are trying to sleep.” Other issues noted by police, who are working on solutions with the town, in the area are open liquor, littering and public urination.
String of Hit&Runs
The Golden-Field RCMP is asking for anyone with information regarding several hit and runs in the area over the past couple weeks to contact them. Police received a report on July 27 after the owner of a travel trailer returned to the parking lot at Heather Mountain Lodge and observed significant damage to the rear passenger side.
Collision with Building
Police responded to a collision downtown on July 27 after it was reported that a vehicle had collided with an office building on 9th Avenue North.
“The building sustained damage to both the interior and exterior walls as a result of the collision,” said Cst. Lainchbury. “It appears that the driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes while parked outside of the building.” No injuries were reported as a result of the crash and police do not expect to lay charges in the matter.
Assault of Landlord
A 28-year-old from Golden is scheduled to attend court on Oct. 7 after it was alleged he assaulted his landlord on July 27. Police attended and were advised that the landlord had just evicted the male, who then assaulted him. The male was arrested and released on scene with documents requiring he appear in court and refrain from contact with the landlord.
Gas and Run
Police were called to a fight outside a local gas station during the evening of July 27 after the owner of the store confronted a customer who was not able to pay for his gas after re-fueling. Police quickly responded and the two were found separated waiting for police. The 31 year-old male from Alberta explained that he ran into some hard times with work, and had come to Golden for the Motion Notion music festival when he simply ran out of money.
The male failed to get a sympathetic response from police after two empty dime bags with drug residue fell out of his wallet as he reached for ID. Police explained to him that if he was able to have money for drugs, he would be paying for his gas or meeting with the judge. The male was able to reach his mother who agreed to pay for the transaction and provided store owners with a credit card number.
Assault of a Police Officer
A 22 year-old female from Edmonton is facing charges of obstructing a police officer and assaulting a police officer after police responded to an impaired driving complaint on July 28. Police allege that the female refused to exit her vehicle after failing a roadside alcohol screening test and once out of the vehicle proceeded to kick one of the officers.
The female is scheduled to attend court in Golden on Oct. 7 to answer to the two charges, and also received a 90 day driving suspension and 30 day vehicle impoundment under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing the two separate roadside screening tests.
Squatters at Beaverfoot
A group of Motion Notion festival goers overstayed their welcome at the Beaverfoot Lodge after refusing to leave the property once the festival was finished on Monday.
Police attended and spoke with the group who explained that they had paid for another night when the manager changed his mind and refunded them their money. The group was already packing their belongings when police arrived, and no further issues were reported.
911 is not a Taxi Service
A 13 year-old female called 911 on July 29 stating that she was intoxicated downtown and needed a ride home. Police were able to locate the female who, given her age, was provided transportation by police and released to her mother. “Although in this instance a ride was provided, this is not something that would normally be accepted,” said Cst. Lainchbury. “911 is a phone number for emergencies, not taxi service.”
Driver Located
Police, Golden Fire-Rescue, and BC Ambulance responded to a collision on Highway 95 during the early morning of July 29 after it was reported that a vehicle had been located rolled over in a ditch with unknown occupants.
After a search of the area nobody was located. Police worked throughout the morning to locate the owner, who had left the scene and went to work in Golden. “We would ask that if you are involved in a collision and do not require police or medical assistance, you still contact us so that we don’t receive calls from concerned motorists who are passing by,” said Cst. Lainchbury. The 35 year-old male driver from Cranbrook was the only occupant and did not report any injuries. No charges are expected in relation to the incident.
Man Held for Series of Infractions
A 27 year-old male from Edgewater found himself in police custody after causing disturbances at both the Golden Hospital and courthouse on the afternoon of July 29.
The male, who is known to police, was arrested for being intoxicated in public after it was reported that he was yelling and screaming at staff at the hospital followed by a second report that he was causing a disturbance at the courthouse. The male was released the following morning when sober, however he found himself back in jail later that night after police were called to a break in at a residence on 10th Avenue South.
The male was located inside the residence and subsequently arrested for break & enter and assault causing bodily harm, after it was alleged that him and another male forced themselves inside, attacking three males. “One of the individuals inside sustained extensive injuries as a result of the alleged attack and required medical attention,” advised Cst. Lainchbury.
The other male, a 22 year-old from Golden, was arrested for break & enter, using a disguise, assault and breach of recognizance. Both males were brought before a Justice of the Peace for a bail hearing which resulted in the 27 year-old needing to post bail before being released, and the 22 year-old being held in custody until court on Aug. 11.
“This appears to be an isolated, targeted incident that was retaliation for another alleged assault,” said Cst. Lainchbury. In yet another separate report police will also be forwarding theft charges against the 22 year-old male and investigating the other after a report was received that two males entered a liquor store and stole several bottles of liquor prior to the break and enter. The 22 year-old was known to staff and identified to police the following day.
Threats Issued Over Debt Collection
Police were called on July 29 after it was alleged that a male approached a female telling her that she would be harmed if her husband did not pay back monies owed to him. The complainant did not wish to proceed with charges in relation to the incident, however the accused was spoken with and apologized to police.
Ticket Issued After Collision
Two people were transported to Golden Hospital following a collision on Golden Donald Upper Road on July 30 in which both police and BC Ambulance attended. The driver, a 22 year-old from Cranbrook, and one of the three passengers sustained minor injuries after going off the roadway down an embankment. The driver was issued a ticket for driving without due care and for having too many passengers, contrary to a restriction on her licence.
Tires Slashed
Police are asking anyone with information regarding a recent increase in vehicle tires being slashed contact them after another report was received this week that a vehicle parked at the Mountain Shadows Trailer Park had its tire slashed overnight. Information can be provided to police at 250-344-2221 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222- 8477.
Busy Week on Roads
Police and emergency crews were busy responding to collisions on July 31 as the traffic increased for the long weekend. A total of five collisions were reported in the Golden-Field RCMP area from Rogers Pass to the BC/Alberta border, and included a single vehicle going off road near Moberly Branch Road, a vehicle being side swiped just east of the tunnels at Rogers Pass, a five car pile-up at Moberly Branch Road, and two separate collisions near Field.
No serious injuries were reported as a result of any of the collisions.
Paraglider Crash
On July 31, the Golden-Field RCMP was advised of a SPOT beacon which was determined to be related to a paraglider who had crashed. GADSAR responded to the call. The glider was treated for minor injuries.
Cedar disturbance
Police were called to a disturbance at Cedar Lake on August 1, in which it was alleged that a group of approximately 75 people were being confrontational with other visitors at the lake. Police attended and located the group who agreed to curb the behaviour.
