The Castlegar RCMP were kept busy over the Christmas season, reporting 90 files between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
There were 13 motor vehicle accidents reported in that period. None of these accidents resulted in serious injury or death.
On Dec. 26, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a roll-over accident at the Paulson. Upon arrival, a badly damaged vehicle was located but the driver was not on the scene. Investigation revealed that both the truck and the licence plates had been stolen out of Lake Country area. - The driver of the truck, a 21-year-old Lake Country man, was located nearby and arrested for possessing stolen property. The investigation is ongoing for possible other charges stemming from Lake Country.
On Dec 27, at approximately 3:45 a.m., a tow truck was struck by a passing motorist while trying to tow another vehicle out of the ditch. The tow truck driver was not injured, however, the tow truck sustained some damage.
A 24-year-old Calgary woman, who had been drinking, was issued a three-day driving prohibition.
Several assaults were reported over the holidays. Three of them are believed to be alcohol related: one involved a angry customer at McDonald's spitting on an employee, and another involved a male bear-spraying and assaulting members of his family. All of these incidents are still being investigated and charges pending in some instances.
There were several mischief files, although only one that caused a lot of damage. On Jan. 1, suspect(s) threw a large wood beam through the window at Supercat Music Studio on Columbia Avenue causing substantial damage. Police are asking anyone with information on this to call the Castlegar RCMP.
Two officers were assaulted during the course of their duties. On Dec. 24, an officer responded to a hit and run accident in which a truck ran into a fence in Ooteschenia and damaged it. The officer was able to locate the vehicle and in the process of speaking with the owner/driver of that truck, was assaulted when the male grabbed her by the clothing and struck her in the face. A struggle ensured, and the officer suffered a dislocated shoulder. She was able to gain control of the situation, and when her back-up officer arrived, the male was taken into custody. A 60-year-old man if facing charges of Assaulting a Police Officer, as well as other Motor Vehicle Act offences.
Dec. 27, a Castlegar officer was assaulted while attempting to get breath samples from a suspected impaired driver. The 55-year-old Castlegar man lunged at the officer, scratching his face and ripping his shirt. The matter is still under investigation, and charges of Assaulting a Police Officer and other driving infractions are being sought.
On Christmas Eve, while two Castlegar officers were enjoying a coffee break, they were told that someone out in the parking lot was tampering with police cars. When they went outside, a male was seen running away from the cars. The intoxicated male was chased down and arrested for mischief. When he was brought back to the police car to explain what damage he had been causing, it was learned that he had only deposited several Timbits under the windshield wipers of the cruisers, and not caused and physical damage. The officers, who were feeling generous and in the Christmas spirit, drove the man to a relative's home, where he could sober up in the company of family and be home Christmas morning.
The Castlegar RCMP would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you for all your support.