Smithers RCMP responded to approximately 103 calls for service during the week.
July 23 – Smithers RCMP responded to a complaint from a pedestrian of an intoxicated male passed out in the park by the library. Members arrived and located a heavily intoxicated 32-year-old male sleeping on the ground. He was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. The male was bound by conditions not to consume alcohol or non prescription drugs stemming from recent domestic violence charges. He was arrested for failing to comply with his conditions and was lodged in jail to appear before a judge. The male was convicted and sentenced the following day.
July 24 – At 1:39 a.m., Smithers RCMP received a complaint of three people attempting to remove a stop sign near the post office. The suspects fled the scene in a small black car. Then on July 28 at 2:23 a.m. a report was received of signs and barricades being placed on Highway 16 in the middle of the roadway. Although these may seem like minor issues, the consequences could be grave and cause collisions when a sign is not in the right place or objects are on the roadway in the dark. Smithers RCMP would like to remind motorists to be diligent while traveling and anyone witnessing these types of mischief to contact their local RCMP or CrimeStoppers.
July 25 – Police responded at 8:54 p.m. to an assault complaint where the victim reported he was bleeding and required an ambulance. Police arrived on scene and located a 35-year-old male with a two-inch cut above his eye. The male was intoxicated and did not wish to pursue charges against his assailant. The victim was transported to Bulkley Valley District Hospital by ambulance for treatment. No charges were laid.
July 26 – A West Pacific Region Traffic Services conducted a vehicle stop at 1:12 a.m. on Highway 16 after observing a vehicle operating out of the norm. The 40-year-old female driver denied consuming alcohol, but displayed signs of impairment by alcohol and was subsequently subjected to an approved screening device (ASD) test. The driver provided a sample which registered a fail on the ASD. The driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
July 27 – Smithers RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover on Highway 16 at 6:08 p.m. near Lake Kathlyn Road. A newer model Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Highway 16 when it crossed into the oncoming lane and entered the ditch, struck a tree and then rolled. The 55-year-old female driver and 58-year-old passenger were transported to Bulkley Valley District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries before being released from hospital. Fatigue may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
July 28 – A theft complaint was received at 12:45 p.m. from a local electronics store. Police responded and viewed video surveillance footage of the theft. The officers recognized the culprits from the video and were able to identify them. As the police were leaving the store to make patrols for the suspects, a concerned citizen approached them and advised that people were selling speakers outside of another business in town and felt it was suspicious. Police located the 53-year-old male and 40-year-old female suspects and arrested them for theft and possession of stolen property, locating some of the stolen items still in the female's possession. Charges are pending. Smithers RCMP would like to thank the member of the public who approached police and provided the information of the suspects' location which expedited locating them and the recovery of stolen goods before they were sold.
July 29 – Police received a report of a break, enter and theft that occurred on Third Avenue. Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. the culprit(s) broke into the victim's garage and stole a red 2011 Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV. Some evidence was left behind and a forensic examination of these items will be made. Smithers RCMP request anyone with information to contact their local RCMP or CrimeStoppers.
Police would like to remind the public that with the busy traffic season of the summer upon us, to exercise extra caution when traveling. Make sure to get adequate rest before long trips, be patient and give ample room between you vehicle and others, and not to utilize electronic devices while driving.
Also, be sure when walking day or night to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be there. Walk in groups and in well-lit areas whenever possible.