Submitted by Sgt. G.D. Simpson
The Clearwater RCMP detachment is concerned about the quality of some drugs that are circulating in the community.
There have been a few overdose cases in the last few weeks. While the presence of narcotics in the Clearwater area is not new, the detachment is concerned about the frequency of these cases.
Local RCMP are actively investigating the incidents and want people that are using to be very, very cautious about where and who they’re purchasing from and to be aware of how high risk this is right now, with this particular batch that’s out there.
January 10
On Jan. 10, Clearwater RCMP received an abandoned 911 call at 10:24 a.m. The caller, later identified as a 48-year-old Abbotsford man, told police he was being chased and his life was in danger. The suspect told police he was on Highway 5, heading towards Edmonton, A.B. from Vancouver, B.C. He advised he “might have to rob a store to stay longer in jail.”
Cst. Klassen and Cst. Van Woudenberg patrolled the highway, where Cst. Klassen found the suspect a few kilometers north of Avola, B.C., as he passed Cst. Klassen heading south. Cst. Klassen caught up to the suspect as he pulled into the Avola gas station and proceeded into the building, holding his hands in his pockets and attempted to rob the till, demanding $20 from the store clerk.
The clerk opened the till, telling the suspect he didn’t have $20. The suspect turned and left, at which point Cst. Klassen arrived and arrested the suspect for robbery. The suspect was chartered and warned, and brought back to Clearwater, B.C. to be assessed at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital. A blood demand was also to be conducted as the suspect had failed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test.
The hospital conducted a blood demand and advised police the suspect was fit for cells. The suspect was transported to the Clearwater Detachment, and lodged in cells while the investigation was conducted.
At 3:16 p.m., the BC Ambulance Service called the Clearwater RCMP to ask for their attendance at a motor vehicle incident on Highway 5 near Otter Creek Forest Service Road. There was a report of a head on collision with people trapped. Cst. Klassen, Cst. Booi and Cpl. Schenkeveld attended.
A 51-year-old Leduc, A.B., man and his wife were south bound in a black Dodge Durango rental, while a 24-year-old Ft. Saskatchewan, A.B., man and his brother were north bound in their grey Buick Rendezvous.
The 51-year-old driver was trapped and had injuries. His wife was out of the vehicle with injuries. The 24-year-old driver was also trapped and had severe injuries. His brother was out of the vehicle with injuries as well.
Vehicle extraction attended and removed both drivers. The 24-year-old driver was air lifted to Kamloops hospital while the rest were taken via ambulance to Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater.
Alcohol and speed are believed to be contributing factors in this accident as many open beer cans, as well as a large bag of cannabis were located and seized from the 24-year-old’s vehicle.
BC Central Highway Patrol in Clearwater are seeking any witnesses to this collision, including dash camera video of the beige SUV prior to the collision. In addition, investigators wish to speak with the driver of a commercial vehicle which was passed by the beige SUV prior to the collision.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact BC Central Highway Patrol in Clearwater at 250-674-2237 and quote file 2021-169.
Clearwater RCMP responded to 34 calls for service this past week.
Sgt. G.D. Simpson is the detachment commander at the Clearwater RCMP detachment. Anyone with information on a crime is encouraged to call Clearwater RCMP at 250-674-2237 or to report anonymously, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.