The Golden-Field RCMP responded to 255 calls for service during the month of February, an increase of about 16% from February of 2016. Calls for service included, but were not limited to 37 traffic complaints, 32 collisions, 20 Abandoned 911’s, 11 false alarms, and 3 break & enters.
Structure Fire
On February 6, police were called for assistance with a structure fire on Reflection Lake Road.
“Upon attendance police noted that the residence was partially engulfed in flames, and confirmed that all occupants were out,” said Cst. Spencer Lainchbury with the Golden-Field RCMP. Police then assisted with the evacuation of neighboring residences.
“At this time the incident does not appear to be suspicious. We will continue to provide any assistance required to the fire department who will be leading the investigation in to cause of the fire.”
Threatened Arson
On February 6, the Golden-Field RCMP were called to a disturbance at a residence in Blaeberry, in which the owner alleged that a male had threatened to burn down the residence and caused damage to both a door and window screen in the process. Police responded and were able to determine that the male had since departed, however was known to both the owner and police.
The 24 year-old male, originally from Golden, was arrested the following day for both the above incident as well as an outstanding warrant. The male appeared in court in Golden on February 7, and was released on $1000 cash bail.
Commercial B&E
The Golden-Field RCMP are continuing to investigate three separate commercial break and enters that occurred within an hour of each other on February 9. Police were first dispatched at 3:31 a.m. to an alarm at the People’s Drug Mart, followed by alarms at the IGA at 3:30 a.m. and Shell Gas Station at 3:35 am.
“Attendance at all three locations confirmed that two males had attempted to break in to the businesses in what we believe was an attempt to steal the ATM machines inside,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
All three attempts were unsuccessful, however significant damage was caused including structural damage to the Shell Gas Station after the suspects attempted to drive a vehicle through the building. Police later recovered what they believe to be the suspect vehicle, near Ten Mile Hill, which had also been reported stolen.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other incident is asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP at 250-344-2221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Impaired Driving
A 20 year-old male from Alberta had his driver’s licence suspended for 90 days after police allege that he was driving while impaired on February 12. Police had initially stopped the vehicle after the officer noticed the vehicle do a spin-out on the Trans-Canada Highway Frontage Road.
Upon further investigation the officer formed the suspicion that the driver had alcohol in his body, and two roadside alcohol screening device tests were performed, both resulting in ‘fail’ readings. The driver’s vehicle was also impounded for 30 days.
Theft at Mill Site
Police are asking anyone with information regarding a theft from the old mill site in Donald contact them or Crime Stoppers after receiving a report on February 14 that a Mercury 90 hp outboard motor, and fish finder were taken sometime between November 1, 2016 and February 14, 2017.
Stolen Property
Two Golden residents are facing charges for possession of stolen property after police recovered a stolen bicycle from a local motel room on February 14.
“We were acting on a tip that the owner had received regarding the bicycle’s location, and the item was recovered,” said Cst. Lainchbury. Fifty-six year-old Warren Bingham and 25 year-old Gordon Poitras have both been charged with one count of Possession of Stolen Property.
Wrong House
A 22 year-old male from Golden spent the night in police custody after police received a report that he was repeatedly ringing the doorbell of a residence on 10th Street South at 2 a.m. on February 17. Police attended and allege that the male was at the wrong residence, highly intoxicated, and was not able to articulate to police his correct address. The male was released from custody the following day once sober.
License Suspended
A 34 year-old male from Alberta had his driver’s licence suspended and vehicle impounded for 3 days on February 18 after police allege that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police allege that during the traffic stop, on 9th Street South, the officer formed the suspicion that the driver had alcohol in his body and two samples of the driver’s breath were obtained using two separate roadside alcohol screening devices. Both samples provided registered ‘warn’ readings.
Credit Card Theft
Police are looking to identify a suspect in relation to the theft of a credit card that is alleged to have occurred from a local convenience store on February 20. Anyone with information with regards to the identity of this male is asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP at 250-344-2221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Lost Vehicle
Police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on February 18, when the owner called to report that his vehicle was missing from a residence on 7th Street South. Patrols for the vehicle were conducted and police were able to locate the vehicle sitting at a local gas station on 9th Avenue North.
While waiting for a tow, police spoke with the owner, who they allege was intoxicated, and were advised that he now believed that he had driven the vehicle there and then forgot where he had left it. The owner then had a sober friend come and retrieve the vehicle for him.
Disturbance at Bar
A 40 year-old male from Golden was arrested on February 19 for Causing a Disturbance after staff at a local bar contacted police alleging that the male was heavily intoxicated and refusing to leave the premises when asked.
Police attended and male was taken into custody and lodged in cells overnight.
The male was then released the following day once sober.
Vehicles Broken Into
Police are continuing to investigate two separate theft incidents which were reported on February 19.
The first incident involved the window of a vehicle being smashed out while parked outside a business on 9th Avenue North. A purse, which was sitting on the front seat was taken.
The second incident involved a vehicle being broken into while parked on 9th Street South, which resulting in several items including passports and wallets and snowmobile gear being taken. “A suspect vehicle, from Alberta, has been identified from surveillance footage in relation to the first incident,” says Cst. Lainchbury. “Although we believe that the two incidents are likely related, we have nothing to confirm this at this time.” Police are currently looking to track down the owner of the suspect vehicle. Anyone who may have additional information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
Theft at Scrap Yard
Two males, a 33 and 20 year-old, from Golden were arrested on February 21, after police allege that they removed several pieces of property from a scrap yard south of Golden. Police were initially called after the owner of the yard noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway. Police were able to locate the males who were then arrested. The two are scheduled to appear in court in Golden on April 4.
Bar Fight
Police were called to a report of two males fighting outside a local bar on February 22. Upon attendance police were able to locate one of the males. The male, a 22 year-old from Manitoba, was initially arrested for assault, however after speaking with the other party it was determined that they were not interested in pursuing the matter, and the male was subsequently released without charges.
