Chase RCMP: Recent Incidents and Investigations
Media Release - Chase RCMP Detachment
IMPAIRED DRIVER
On October 29, 2023 at 3:37 pm, during routine patrols, Police stopped a red Honda minivan on Wilson Street in Chase for a license and sobriety check. The driver, a 37- year-old female from Chase, was found to be neither licensed nor sober. Breath samples were obtained roadside, resulting in ‘Fail’ readings, indicating that her ability to drive was impaired by alcohol. She was issued a violation ticket for no driver’s license. In addition to a 90-day driving prohibition, her vehicle was impounded for 30 days. During the traffic stop, the female became highly agitated -exhibiting behaviour that caused Police to be concerned for her safety. She was, therefore, held in Police custody until sober and able to care for herself.
TAKEN
On November 2 at 4:23 pm, Chase RCMP received a delayed report of an assault that had occurred the previous day near Celista. The caller reported he had been “taken” by an acquaintance. He was transported to a rural location where he was assaulted and held in a walk-in cooler type of structure. Several hours later, he was released and walked home. The victim was transported to hospital by ambulance for assessment. Police obtained photographs and statements, spoke with possible witnesses and attended the rural location where the victim claimed he was held. However, police were unable to find any evidence to support the allegations.
ASSIST AMBULANCE
On November 12 at 7:45 am, Chase RCMP were requested to assist BC Ambulance Service for an unresponsive man in the washroom of a local gas station. The man was said to be in possession of a knife, so bystanders were hesitant to provide first aid. The man was roused and assessed by paramedics, but he declined further treatment. Police conducted database queries which revealed that the man was wanted on outstanding warrants. He was therefore arrested and transported to the Chase Detachment for a bail hearing.
BREAK AND ENTER
On November 13 at 11:54 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a break and enter in progress at a residence in Anglemont. The caller reported she was out of town, but that she was watching the break-in live via video surveillance. As Police raced to the home, she described 10 suspects loading up her valuables and getting ready to leave. She said one man was carrying a rifle and a woman had a handgun. Some of the suspects were said to be wearing Halloween costumes. When Police arrived, they found the residence secure and undisturbed. Police spoke with neighbours who confirmed that no one had been at the house. When Police followed up with the caller for clarification, it was learned she recently had surgery and was on medication which may have caused her some confusion. She was thankful for the efforts that were made and kindly invited Police to join her for coffee and bread.
TRAVEL TRAILER FIRE
On November 14, at approximately 5:30 pm, a member of the Chase RCMP Detachment, on routine patrols, spotted a large fire in the woods in the 5000 block of the Trans Canada Highway west of Chase. The structure was already fully engulfed when Police arrived. The occupant escaped the blaze with only the clothes on her back. Adams Lake Fire Department attended and prevented the fire from spreading into the forest. The cause of the fire was determined to be the chimney of a wood stove which was the heat source for the travel trailer.
COLLISION
On November 15 at 12:55 pm, Chase RCMP and BC Ambulance Service were advised of a two-vehicle collision on Squilax Anglemont Road in Lee Creek. Police attended and observed that a red Kia sedan appeared to have been rear-ended by a grey Dodge pickup. Witnesses reported that the Kia was stopped in the travel lane, waiting to perform a left turn when traffic cleared. Unfortunately, the pickup travelling behind the Kia did not stop until it struck the Kia at highway speed. The driver of the Kia suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital by Air Ambulance. The driver of the pickup was not injured. He was issued a violation ticket for ‘drive without due care’.
SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
On November 17 at 1:41 am, Chase RCMP were advised of a suspicious vehicle on private property near Wagon Road. The caller reported that a pickup truck drove up to his house and then off into a field. He suspected the occupants were looking for things to steal. Adams Lake Security located the vehicle and detained the elderly male driver until Police arrived. Police soon realized the driver was likely suffering a medical issue and, in the dark, had become lost in the field. He was transported to hospital by ambulance for assessment.
CHECK WELL-BEING
On November 17 at 9:17 pm, Chase RCMP were requested to check the well-being of a man who was “freaking out” and screaming for help in the parking lot of a local gas station. The caller reported that the man was yelling about being followed; however, the caller was unable to calm him enough to get any details. Before Police arrived, he sprinted down the road toward the RCMP Detachment. A second caller reported a man running up and down the road - screaming to call Police. This caller advised that a man on a bicycle appeared to be video recording the first man, which was likely not improving the situation. Police arrived and spoke with the man at length. He was feeling scared and paranoid but could not explain exactly why. During the conversation, a passerby stopped to ask if Police had located the “crazy guy”, which made for an awkward moment. Police could only assist by transporting him to a location where he felt safe. The following morning, Police were again called to assist the same man for a similar complaint. This time he elected to be transported to hospital by ambulance for assessment.
CAT RESCUE
On November 18 at 1:32 pm, Chase RCMP received multiple reports of a suspicious flat-deck truck hauling a travel trailer on Squilax Anglemont Road. Disturbingly, callers reported that cats were falling out of the trailer while it was in motion. Police located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. However, the vehicle sped up and failed to stop for Police. A pursuit could not be initiated due to the risk to the public. Salmon Arm RCMP members responded to intercept. With help from the public, the trailer was eventually located, abandoned, on a Forest Service Road near Skimikin Lake. A significant number of cats were found in and around the travel trailer. Local animal rescue volunteers spent hours in the dark, and in the cold, to ensure the cats received the care they required. Once the cats were collected, the travel trailer was towed to an impound lot. The matter was referred to the SPCA and is still under investigation by Police.
IDENTIFICATION REQUESTED
RCMP have recovered several collector coins from a person of interest surrounding property crime in the Shuswap area. These coins would seem to have significant sentimental value to their owner. It is suspected that the items may have been stolen from a residence on the north shore of Shuswap Lake. Police are requesting that anyone who is missing or may have lost a series of collector coins to please contact the Chase RCMP at (250)679-3221 for possible identification.
