Jan. 1
Sometime in the morning the RCMP responded to a complaint of two males fighting on Russell Avenue in Moricetown. Police arrived on scene and located a male victim who was covered in blood, prompting a response from Emergency Health Services (EHS). The suspect male was located at hte scene and was arrested and transported back to the Smithers detachment. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was treated for a laceration to his face and a broken nose. Alcohol was a factor in the incident. Twenty-four-year-old Lloyd Morris (Jr.) has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and is currently in custody awaiting his next trial date.
Also on Jan. 1, the Smithers RCMP were dispatched to the Moricetown Band Office for a complaint of mischief. Two of the windows on the building had been broken overnight. Police noted the damage occurred on the north side of the building. One of the doors was slightly open. A search of the building revealed no damage or persons inside. A metal lid from an outside garbage can was located in front of one of the windows and was likely used to break the glass. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 250-847-3233 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
In the afternoon of Jan. 1, the Smithers RCMP received a complaint of a person on 1st Avenue and King Street with a knife. Police attended and located a group of people, including a distraught female, who indicated that one male had stabbed another male. The female and other witnesses to the incident said that the suspect had fled west on 1st Avenue towards Main Street on foot. Police found the suspect a short time later and arrested him, without incident, for assault with a weapon. The investigation revealed that the male suspect threatened the victim prior to pulling out a knife. The victim wrestled the knife away from the suspect and in the process received a minor cut to his hand. The suspect then produced a second knife, which was also wrestled away. During the arrest it was noted that the suspect had incurred a serious injury to one of his hands. EHS attended and transported the suspect to hospital with a police officer escort. The suspect was later released into RCMP custody at which time a small quantity of drugs was found on his person. Charges of assault with a weapon, uttering threats and possession of marijuana are being recommended to the Crown by RCMP. The investigation is also continuing.
Jan. 2
The RCMP received a report of a vandalism to a vehicle. A red 2005 Pontiac Sunfire had been parked on Main Street between Dec. 29 and Jan. 2. During that time a board was smashed through the passenger window and it appeared someone had shoved food into the gas tank. Police attended and also noted the gas cap had been ripped off and the rear driver's side tail light had been broken. There was no damage to inside of the vehicle and nothing was taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.