The Elk Valley RCMP has had a busy month, responding to two fatal motor vehicle collisions, an ongoing investigation into animal cruelty, racist graffiti in Sparwood and more.
Fatal collision: A motor vehicle collision occurred on Oct. 15 on Kikomun Rd near Elko. While a member of the public that was on scene first, the driver, a 35-year-old male from the area succumbed to his injuries. There were no other vehicles involved, and the RCMP reported that “it is suspected that alcohol was a contributing factor.”
Fernie Assault: On Oct. 23 the RCMP responded to a call about an assault that occurred in Fernie. An investigation lead to the arrest of a male from Cranbrook who had two outstanding warrants for uttering threats previously. The individual was also charged for being in possession of a scale with white residue, a box of unidentified prescription pills, “bags of white powder”, and a “large sum of money.” The man was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, released and will appear in court soon.
Wayward suspect turns himself in: On Oct. 24 a Sparwoodian male turned himself in because of numerous warrants for his arrest. The RCMP reported he “had been evading the police the last couple of weeks”, but had been spotted by police driving around town in a black vehicle. The police reported they flushed the suspect out of hiding by performing “numerous patrols in and around the male’s residence,” leading to the suspect turning himself in. He was held in custody and then released.
Animal cruelty: Authorities are investigating a possible case of animal cruelty. RCMP received a report from Elkford on Oct. 28 where a residents dog alerted its owner to an “unusual stick” in their backyard, that upon investigation had a nylon sock soaked in an unidentified chemical attached to it. The RCMP reported that “there was also a piece of garland attached to the stick and wrapped inside it were white/blue almost like crystal pieces.” RCMP, BC SPCA-East Kootenay and Animal Protection Officers are investigating this as a possible case of animal cruelty. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Elk Valley RCMP at (250) 425-6233 or remain anonymous by calling your tip into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also contact the BC SPCA Cruelty Investigations Department at (250)427-0036.
Racist graffiti: On Nov. 2, Sparwood bylaw alerted RCMP to racist graffiti on the new walking bridge at Matevic Rd. RCMP reported spray-painted graffiti was “juvenile in nature” and was also on signs, bollard gates, plastics bins, posts and a concrete bench. A youth has been identified as the possible offender, along with a possible accomplice. RCMP will be speaking with the youths and their guardians. The graffiti has since been cleaned up.
Fatal accident: On Nov. 8, first responders responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on Hwy. 3, east of Sparwood involving an SUV and a semi trailer. The driver of the SUV succumbed to his injuries at the Fernie hospital later that day, while the driver of the semi trailer suffered minor injuries. Elk Valley RCMP said that an investigation determined the SUV crossed the centre line into the path of the oncoming semi trailer, and the driver of the semi trailer was unable to avoid the collision.
READ MORE: RCMP update: Target practice causes $50,000 in damages
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