On April 1, 2025, at 10:47 a.m. while on routine patrol Sgt. Grant Simpson, detachment commander for the Clearwater RCMP reports he came across a three-ton delivery type van in the shallow ditch on Highway 5 just south of the pull out next to a local restaurant. He said, “After speaking to the driver, it was determined that he may have had a medical, diabetic episode so BC Ambulance was called to the scene. The driver was assessed and refused any further medical assistance, for which he signed off on. Paramedics believed the driver would be ok to carry on driving. The driver advised that he had made a delivery to Edmonton yesterday and was now on his way to Seattle, Washington.” Local heavy rescue towing was called and attended to pull the undamaged truck out of the ditch. The driver's Illinois documentation was returned to him.
The Sgt. also reports that on April 1, 2025, at 2:19 p.m. a local woman attended the detachment saying she had been scammed. She advised that she had a window pop up on her computer screen advising her to call a number which she did. Simpson said, “She spoke to a Const. David Graham, 869686 (badge) and was given a fake RCMP case # of 05746012. A Texas phone number then called her to go and get two Apple gift cards. She was told to get the gift cards in denominations of $500 each (total $1000). After purchasing the gift cards, she was told to go to the bank and withdraw $2000 for additional payment. It was at this point that the bank told her this was a fraud. The Texas phone had called the complainant twice while she was at the front counter of the detachment however an investigator was not immediately available.” The complainant was given the Canadian Anti-Fraud number and was told to block the Texas number. The Sgt. added, “The complainant advised to have her computer cleaned. Copies of Apple gift cards and receipts are on file.”
Police are reminding the public to disregard any pop-up windows on their computers advising that their computer has been compromised and needs repair, especially when the alleged repair person or police officer is seeking payment in gift cards or crypto currency. These are computer scams.
Sgt. Simpson also reports that on Sunday April 6, Clearwater RCMP were advised someone had broken out the glass door at a local auto service shop overnight. This has now happened multiple times over the past few months. Const. Van Woudenberg attended and spoke to the owner, who pointed out a BB on the ground and cracked impact location on the door that hadn't broken, conducive with a shot from a BB or pellet gun.
“The owner reviewed surveillance video, and the shadow of a suspect is observed entering the video line of sight from a southern direction at 11:24 p.m. the night before. The suspect’s hand is seen raised with the firearm and firing before the individual runs away back to the south,” said Simpson. As a possible suspect has come to light, Police are seeking the assistance of the public and asking anyone with any information to contact them at the local detachment or to contact Crimestoppers should anonymity be required.
