Multiple Collisions
Local police responded to 15 collisions this week, including one hit and run. No major injuries were reported in any of the collisions, of which 13 occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Hit and Run
Police are asking anyone with information regarding a hit and run at the Tim Horton’s, on November 28, contact them after the owner noticed denting in both the driver and rear passenger side door.
The vehicle, a Ford Taurus, was parked in the original Tim Horton’s lot from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Local police can be reached at 250-344-2221 or you can report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Disturbance at Motel
On November 30 just after 1 a.m., the Golden-Field RCMP was called to a local motel after a disturbance was reported at one of the rooms.
Upon arrival police were advised that a mother and her adult son had been travelling together to help one move when they decided that they no longer wanted to stay with one another or travel together.
Arrangements were made for one of them to stay at another hotel for the night, and the other booked a bus ticket to get to their destination.
Stuck Snowmobilers
The Golden-Field RCMP was called during the evening of November 29 after a group failed to return to their vehicle after snowmobiling in Silent Pass, near Parson.
Golden and District Search & Rescue (GADSAR) was immediately notified and a search was arranged for the following morning at first light. GADSAR members were able to locate the group of three the following day, who were flown back to their vehicle.
“The group indicated they had become stranded when two of their snowmobiles got stuck,” said Cst. Spencer Lainchbury, spokesperson for the Golden-Field RCMP.
Just over 24 hours later, GADSAR was called once again to rescue members from the same group, who advised that they were again unable to get out and would need a helicopter to rescue them. GADSAR responded and two people were flown by helicopter back to Golden.
No injuries were reported in either of the rescues.
Fire in the Hills
Local police and fire crews spent several hours trying to gain access to a fire that could be seen burning in the hills above the A&W Restaurant on December 1.
“We received multiple calls that a fire could be seen from in town,” says Cst. Lainchbury. Emergency crews were eventually able to determine that the fire was a controlled burn and no emergency assistance was required.
Dine and Dash
Police are continuing to investigate after it was alleged that a male and female ordered $51.00 of food from a local restaurant, and then attempted to charge the meal to a room at an adjoining hotel before driving away without paying.
“The pair was not staying at the hotel and as a result we are looking to review surveillance video to identify the two,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
Dumpster Diving
Police were called during the evening of December 2 after witnesses observed two males taking items from behind a local grocery store.
“The caller believed that the two were in the process of stealing items from the store,” says Cst. Lainchbury.
After a short investigation police were able to locate the two males and confirmed that the two had been taking expired items out of the dumpster.
Drunk Lodged in Cells
A male from Revelstoke was taken to cells on November 3 after a local gas station reported that the male was intoxicated and repeatedly falling down while waiting for a bus.
The male was arrested and released without charges once sober.
Squatter at Hotel
Police were called to a local hotel on December 4 after staff advised that arrangements had been made for a guest to pay for his room the following day, but he had failed to do so and was refusing to leave.
After a brief conversation with police the male decided to leave and is no longer welcome back on the property.
Out-of-bounds Skiers
On December 4, the Golden-Field RCMP was advised that two skiers may be in need of assistance, after hiking into Rudy’s bowl, an area out of bounds from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
A third party called police after learning that a call had been placed from one of the skiers who sounded as though in distress, and that the two were unaccounted for.
“GADSAR was immediately notified, and was already aware of the incident,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
The two were located minutes later and did not require any further emergency assistance.
Intoxicated in Public
A 51 year-old male from Golden was arrested for being intoxicated in public on December 4 after staff at a local drinking establishment escorted him out for being too intoxicated.
“Police were in the area at the time and allege that the male then entered another establishment at which point he was arrested,” said Cst. Lainchbury. The male was also issued a Violation Ticket for $115.
Abandoned Vehicle
Police were called on December 5 after staff at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort noted a vehicle parked in the parking lot for several days without moving.
“Staff became concerned that the occupants may have become lost while skiing and in need of assistance,” says Cst. Lainchbury. Police were able to track down the owner of the vehicle who was staying at the hotel with friends.
“We would ask that if you are going to leave your car unattended at the hill that you either notify KHMR, hotel staff, or leave a note on your vehicle. This prevents search and rescue crews from being called out when they are not actually required.”
Semi Driver on Drugs
A semi driver passing through town caught the attention of police after calling to say that someone had been following him since Abbotsford on December 5.
“Police responded and spoke with the male who appeared to be either suffering from mental health issues or was under the influence of drugs,” says Cst. Lainchbury.
The male was brought to the hospital to be assessed at which point he admitted to police that he had been using heroin.
The male was issued a driving suspension for driving while impaired by drugs, and then refused to provide police with any information regarding him being followed.
The driver’s company was notified that the driver was no longer able to drive and sent another driver to pick up the tractor trailer unit.
Passed out at Library
A local male spent the evening in police custody after a report was received that he was passed out by the library.
Police responded and found the male heavily intoxicated to the point where he could not stand on his own. The 22 year-old male was released in the morning once sober.
Skis Stolen at Lodge
Police are asking anyone with information regarding three sets of skis being stolen out of the Palliser Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort on December 4 or 5 to please contact them.
“The three sets were left in an unlocked storage locker overnight and when the owner returned to collect his ski’s in the morning they were gone,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
The skis are described as a pair of Men’s Black/Orange Rossignol RPM, a rare set of Men’s Black/Gold Ogasaka Neo-Flex, and a set of Women’s White/Orange Rossignol Bandit B3’s.
Traffic Services
Local police including traffic and Integrated Road Safety Unit officers were out in full force for the recent National Impaired Driving Enforcement day on December 4.
Several road checks were conducted throughout the night and resulted in one driver losing his license for 90 days under the Immediate Roadside Prohibition after police allege he failed two roadside alcohol screening device tests. His vehicle was also impounded for 30 days.
Holiday Counterattack
While attitudes toward drinking and driving have changed considerably over the years, 86 lives are still lost every year in British Columbia., representing more than a quarter of all car crash fatalities.*
That’s why the provincial government, police and ICBC are urging drivers to plan ahead and make smart decisions to get home safely this holiday season.
Starting this week CounterAttack roadchecks will be set up by police across the province to keep impaired drivers off our roads throughout December.
ICBC is helping to prevent impaired driving this December with an education campaign, funding for CounterAttack roadchecks and promotion of designated drivers with businesses, sports facilities and community groups.
“Impaired driving enforcement remains a priority to the Golden-Field RCMP Detachment, and we will be participating in the CounterAttack program throughout the holiday season,” says Cpl. Betty Watson, Acting Detachment Commander. in Golden.
