Corporal Jeff Witzke
Columbia Valley RCMP
During May 1 to 7, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 65 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to:
On May 1 police received a complaint of a collision near the detachment on Athalmer Road. Witnesses observed a vehicle driving in an erratic manner before colliding with another vehicle. Members on scene suspected the driver was operating the vehicle while impaired and are recommending such charges to the Crown.
On May 3 a member of the Columbia Valley RCMP was on patrol in Invermere when they observed a vehicle make an abrupt turn once it saw the police vehicle. Subsequently the vehicle was pulled over in a parking lot. While the officer returned to his police vehicle to conduct checks, the vehicle sped off to the end of the parking lot where the driver fled on foot. Police Dog Services (PDS) was dispatched and was able to track the driver down where he was arrested without incident. Checks showed the vehicle was stolen out of Calgary and full of suspected stolen power tools. The driver, who provided a false name to the officer, was prohibited from driving and currently on a release order with several conditions. He was held in custody and taken before a judge to speak to all of the charges.
On May 5 members of the Columbia Valley RCMP conducted speed enforcement on Radium Hill, Hwy 93/95 where the speed limit has been reduced to 70 km/hr and has been for approximately one year. People appear to be more aware of the speed limit on the hill as officers made 12 contacts in a two-hour period, which is a marked improvement since last spring/summer.
