During the weekend Williams Lake RCMP responded to 71 calls, including vehicle thefts and vehicle break-ins. In a police report, RCMP highlighted some of the main incidents.
Sept. 7
Early Sept, 7 at around 4 a.m., the police were informed a truck had turned around on Highway 20 near the Meldrum Creek Road to avoid police.
Police arrived at the pullout on Highway 20 west of Williams Lake and set up two spike strips and parked their vehicles on the side of the road with their lights flashing.
The only description of the suspect vehicle was a truck. After about five to ten minutes a vehicle approached from the west and flashed its high beams a few times then slowed to a reasonable speed to approach a road check.
As the vehicle was approaching police, one of the officers shone his flashlight into the vehicle. The driver covered his face and accelerated to the east. Police attempted to engage the use of the spike strips to stop the truck but were unsuccessful. The vehicle was last seen accelerating up the hill towards Chimney Valley Road.
The vehicle is described as a black 1990s Chevrolet pickup with a black canopy and silver boat rack. The driver was wearing a white hoodie and there were three male passengers in the truck. Other police officers were in the area and attempted to contain the vehicle. A search of the area roads was started but the vehicle could not be located.
During the early morning hours of Sept. 7, a person attempted to break into a vehicle in the 3000 block of Mackenzie Avenue. The thief was confronted by neighbours, then fled from the area on a stolen bicycle. Several related incidents in the area were reported shortly afterwards. Williams Lake RCMP are asking the public to contact police with information about this incident or any other crime at (250) 392-6211.
At 7:34 a.m. police were dispatched to a report of a theft from a vehicle overnight at 285 Donald Rd. at the Coast Fraser Inn. A Husqvarna chainsaw and a 30-30 rifle were stolen. The incident is still under investigation.
At 8:08 a.m. police were dispatched to the theft of a truck that occurred overnight from a residence on Third Avenue North called in by owner. A black 1996 Silverado Chevrolet pick-up truck with an aluminum boat rack on a box was taken from the driveway.
During the early morning hours of Sept. 7 a person attempted to break into a vehicle in the 3000 block of Mackenzie Avenue. The thief was confronted by neighbours, then fled from the area on a stolen bicycle. Several related incidents in the area were reported shortly after. RCMP are asking the public to contact police with information about this incident or any other crime at (250) 392-6211.
On September 7 at approximately 11:30 p.m. police were conducting a stop check on Highway 20 at Cotton Road near Riske Creek.
A westbound vehicle approached, slowed, then swerved into the oncoming lane and drove by police, failing to stop.
As the vehicle passed, a passenger threw a vodka bottle at police hitting one of the police officers. Police closed the distance and after obtaining a plate number shut emergency equipment off and did not pursue. At that point, the transmission blew on the fleeing vehicle. The vehicle slowed and eventually came to a stop in the ditch on Highway 20. Police arrested the driver and two passengers. All were intoxicated. The driver refused to provide a breath sample. The vehicle, a black 1995 Jeep Cherokee, had been reported stolen. Charges including assaulting a peace officer, flight from police, possession stolen vehicle and impaired refusal are pending.
Sept. 9
On September 9 at 5:20 a.m. RCMP were called to report of a suspicious vehicle and person leaving a vehicle at the intersection of Windmill Crescent and Lakeview Avenue. The caller stated that a native male wearing sweat pants and no shirt and carrying a brown bag exited the vehicle and had wiped off the driver's door and steering wheel.
Members attended and set up containment around the vehicle. The police dog was called out and performed a track which was unsuccessful. A Dodge truck had fresh damage to the driver's side rear. The driver's side window was broken and the ignition appeared punched. The truck was left parked in the middle of the road. The truck had been reported stolen approximately one month earlier. The matter is still under investigation.
Back to School Campaign
During the "Back to School Zone" campaign through the week of September 3 to 6 the following infractions were identified. These numbers are totals for the week.
Vehicles checked: 2024
Seatbelt infractions observed: 23
Cellphone (distracted driver) infractions observed: five
Motor Vehicle Act Charges: 46
Traffic Notices issued: 14
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act infractions: two
The campaign is continuing, RCMP said.