Agassiz – Agassiz RCMP biweekly snapshot: September 14 to 27
- Total calls for service: 171
- Property crimes: 15
- Crimes against persons: 14
- Collisions: 11
- Impaired driving: 5
Traffic enforcement remained a focus throughout the reporting period, resulting in several investigations and violation tickets issued. In one instance for example, a truck was observed by an officer travelling 106 km/h in a 60 km/h zone along Highway 9. Not only did the driver receive a $368 ticket for excessive speeding, but their vehicle was also impounded for 7 days.
Suspended driver arrested
While conducting patrols on McDonald Road, an officer observed a vehicle travelling 97 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. During the traffic stop, the driver was unable to provide a driver’s licence. Further investigation revealed the driver’s licence was suspended. The driver was arrested and later released with a future court date. The vehicle was impounded.
Impaired driver removed from roadway
Officers responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Pioneer Avenue during the early morning hours. A short time later, a vehicle matching the description was observed by police failing to stop at a stop sign nearby. During the traffic stop, the investigating officer detected signs of alcohol impairment. The driver provided two fail readings on an Approved Screening Device and was issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition. The vehicle was subsequently towed and impounded.
A bad day on the bridge
Agassiz RCMP responded to a report of a disabled truck blocking the southbound lane of the Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge. Upon arrival, officers discovered the vehicle was displaying an incorrect licence plate, was uninsured, and appeared to be missing a rather important piece – the rear driver’s-side wheel. Vehicle parts were also scattered across the bridge. Officers located the registered owner walking nearby. Although the registered owner insisted someone else had been driving and had fled the scene, police were unable to identify or confirm another driver. What officers could confirm was that the registered owner was a prohibited driver. While police couldn’t prove the registered owner was the driver, they were issued several owner-related violation tickets including No Insurance, Failing to Ensure a Vehicle is in Safe Operating Condition, and Displaying Incorrect Licence Plates.
Vehicle drives off forest service road
Officers responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision approximately 25 kilometres up Harrison East Forest Service Road after a vehicle left the roadway and travelled down an embankment. Several passing motorists stopped to assist the occupants and contacted police. The investigation determined no other vehicles were involved and that driver error and road conditions were contributing factors. The driver sustained injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.
Explosion turns into stolen vehicle investigation
Officers responded to a report of an explosion on Ruby Creek Forest Service Road during the early morning hours. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle speeding away from the area immediately afterward. Police located a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Initial checks indicated the vehicle was not stolen. However, shortly after officers arrived, the owner reported the vehicle stolen from another jurisdiction in the Lower Mainland. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was towed as the investigation continued.
Property crime highlights
An ATV and several tools were reported stolen from a construction site along Lougheed Highway but were located by the owner a short time later with only minor damage.
Police also received a report of a theft from a vehicle parked on Fooks Road, where several items were stolen from inside.
In Popkum, thieves targeted a travel trailer parked in a parking lot and stole items from inside. The following day, the trailer itself was stolen and seen being towed away from the area by an SUV. Several days later, the trailer was recovered in Agassiz, with additional items missing from inside.
