The Golden-Field RCMP has been busy in the first two months of 2016, seeing over 470 calls for service since January 1.
“This equals to just under 8 files a day ranging from everything including simple traffic complaints and collisions, to property crime and drug files,” said Cst. Spencer Lainchbury, spokesperson for the Golden-Field RCMP.
Of these numbers Cst. Lainchbury is quick to point out that this doesn’t include traffic files created by the six traffic services officers and one officer with the Integrated Road Safety Unit who also work in Golden.
Body of deceased male found
On February 26, just after 4:30 p.m., the Golden-Field RCMP was notified that the body of a male had been located outside a business near 14th Street South.
Local police immediately attended along with the BC Coroner’s Service.
The male is 38 years old, and is believed to have recently moved to Golden.
“We are currently trying to establish a timeline for the male’s last couple of days, as well as locate and notify his family,” said Cst.Lainchbury. At this time we do not believe that the death is suspicious.
Police are continuing to provide assistance to the BC Coroner’s Service, who is investigating the matter.
Anyone who may have seen a male walking around with an Edmonton Oilers jersey during the afternoon or evening of February 25 is asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP at 250-344-2221.
Ten Collisions
Local police responded to 10 collisions during the last two weeks of February, with the majority of these calls being minor incidents.
Of these collisions a local male was transported to hospital on February 27 after his vehicle left the roadway on Highway 1 near 5 Mile Hill. The male was treated for minor injuries.
Abandoned Sled
Police and the BC Conservation Service are currently trying to identify the owners of a 2013 Polaris 800 snowmobile found abandoned near Gorman Lake earlier in February.
Anyone with information regarding the snowmobile is asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP at 250-344-2221 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Drunk Driving
A 26 year-old female from Golden received an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) on February 17 after police allege that she was driving while impaired.
The 90 day driving prohibition resulted after officers allege that the driver failed two separate alcohol screening device tests on two separate devices during a traffic stop. The driver also had her vehicle impounded for 30 days. Full details regarding IRP, which falls under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, can be found at http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/tickets/Pages/Driver-prohibitions.aspx.
Climbing on Trains
Police were called on the afternoon of February 19 after a male was seen climbing on and photographing train cars that were parked downtown.
“Although we understand that trains can be quite fascinating, we want to remind local enthusiasts that the tracks and yard can be extremely dangerous, and that all the rail yards and lines in Golden are private property,” said Lainchbury.
Police were also called on February 25 after two unknown males were seen walking on the tracks.
Stolen Purse Returned
A female from Golden was glad to be reunited with her stolen purse after a series of lucky events say local police.
“The purse was initially turned in to the Golden-Field RCMP on Friday morning after town staff noticed it in one of the garbage bins downtown,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
Police were unable to get a hold of the owner, but in the meantime another resident of Golden attended the RCMP Detachment to turn himself in for the theft, bringing with him a cellphone out of the purse, as well as some cash.
“It’s not every day that we see someone turn themselves in for something like this,” said Lainchbury, noting that the male stated he had been overcome with guilt.
The owner of the purse was happily reunited with her belongings on Saturday evening, and has requested that police not pursue charges in the matter.
Fight at Hotel
The Golden-Field RCMP was called to a local motel on February 26 after receiving a complaint of a fight.
“The initial caller indicated that there was a male lying on the ground not moving and that there were three or four other male’s fighting,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
Police attended and were not able to locate anyone on the ground but did speak with one male who stated that a fight had ensued after an argument and that things simply “got out of control,” resulting in a window being broken. All parties spoken with indicated that they did not wish for charges to be pursued in the matter.
Traffic Services
A 20 year-old male driver from Alberta had his parent’s vehicle impounded on February 15 after police allege that he was travelling 135km/h in a 90km/h zone near Field. Another driver, a 29 year-old male from Alberta also had his vehicle impounded in the same area on February 21 after police allege it was also travelling 135 km/h in the 90km/h zone. Both drivers also received $368 Violation Tickets for Excessive Speeding.
Police with the traffic services unit seized small amounts of marijuana during two separate traffic stops on February 19 and February 26. One of the driver’s was able to produce a licence to possess the drug; however the licence had expired in 2014. No charges are expected in relation to either of the seizures.
A 56 year-old male from Canmore received a 24 hour driving suspension after police allege that he was speeding, and under the influence of alcohol, while driving on Highway 95 near Reflection Lake on February 26. The male received a ticket for both speeding and had his vehicle impounded for 24 hours.
A 26 year-old male from Golden received a 90 day driving prohibition and had his vehicle impounded on February 27 after police allege that he failed to provide samples of his breath into an approved alcohol screening device. The officer also alleges that the driver had open alcohol in his vehicle, was driving without lights, and failed to stop for a red light, which resulted in $478 in fines being issued.
