Clearwater RCMP responded to 16 calls for service this past week including two vehicle eggings on New Year's Eve, a suspected impaired driver rollover and firewood theft.
On Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:15 p.m. a Clearwater woman called to report she was in her vehicle, travelling in tandem with her adult daughter who was in her car east bound on Highway 5, just past the Wells Gray Hotel when both their vehicles were struck by eggs. Sgt. Grant Simpson, detachment commander for the Clearwater RCMP, said the complainant advised that she initially thought it was snowballs until she got home.
"Upon inspection [she] realized that both her and her daughter’s cars were struck by eggs," Simpson said. "She advised that the eggs caused paint chips and neither she, nor her daughter observed any suspects as they were likely situated on the walking path above the highway.”
Simpson reported that Const. Tobin attended and observed the broken eggs on the highway and confirmed the suspects had already left the area. Extensive patrols were carried out, but no footprints were located in the fresh snow. A file number was provided to the complainant for insurance purposes. The investigation is ongoing.
On Jan. 1, 2025 at 9:10 p.m., Clearwater RCMP received a report from BC Emergency Health Services about a collision with injuries at the border of Clearwater and Barriere RCMP jurisdictions.
“A single vehicle rollover with one male trapped inside was reported," Simpson said, noting Const.Van Woudenberg was in Avola, so assistance from Barriere was requested.
Simpson said when Const. Van Woudenberg arrived, he met R/Const. Blake who advised him the male was found stuck in the vehicle, a white 2000 Ford F350, and was drinking vodka when Blackpool - Little Fort Fire Rescue arrived.
"Const. Van Woudenberg spoke to the driver and registered owner, who advised he didn't remember what had happened and that he started drinking after the crash because he was scared he wouldn't be found," said Simpson. " A nearly empty vodka bottle was also found on the ground near where the driver had left the Highway. No breath demand was done as the driver had been drinking following the accident and BC Ambulance left with him right afterwards."
Criminal impairment is not being pursued as the driver was the only one involved in the accident, however, the investigation is ongoing with charges pending, Simpson confirmed.
The vehicle was down an embankment, nearly out of sight of the roadway, and the owner arranged his own tow.
On Jan. 4, 2025 a Campbell River woman, who owns a property on Lost Creek Road in Birch Island, was alerted by her neighbour that keeps an eye on it that someone was at the house and cleaning out the wood shed.
“The neighbour confronted them and said that the owner sold it to him," Simpson said. "The neighbour didn't believe it and called the complainant who confirmed she didn't sell it. Cpl. McGeorge spoke to a 62-year-old male who lives down the road and he claimed that sometime in the summer the complainant told him that he could buy the wood and so he went and loaded it up today because he was running out and left $20.00 with the neighbour.”
Simpson noted the complainant confirmed she had no idea who the man was and didn't sell him anything.
"The male was advised in no uncertain terms that he was not believed and that he needed to return the wood immediately or he would be charged criminally. He agreed and advised he would do it immediately and apologized. Cpl. McGeorge spoke to the complainant who was extremely thankful how the situation was handled and how quickly it was resolved. She advised that her neighbour keeps a very close eye on her house and property."
