Chase RCMP Recap: Collisions to Confrontations
Chase RCMP Detachment - Media Release
THREE VEHICLE COLLISION
On March 1, 2024 at 8:32 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of an erratic driver on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Chase. The caller reported that an eastbound SUV was all over the road, hit a median and nearly hit the ditch. Police were en-route to intercept when a second call was received, advising of a collision between an SUV and a semi. Police, Ambulance and Chase Fire attended and found that there were, in fact, three vehicles involved in the collision. The subsequent investigation determined that the driver of the SUV crossed the centre line and struck an oncoming white pickup and then a semi truck. The pickup driver received minor injuries and the driver of the semi was uninjured. The driver of the SUV was extracted from the vehicle using the ‘Jaws of Life’ and transported to hospital with serious injuries. The SUV driver reported he thought he fell asleep. The highway was closed for several hours during the investigation and clean-up.
ENCAMPMENT FIRE
On March 2 at 7:35 am, Chase RCMP were requested to assist with an interface fire near the Trans-Canada Highway at Chase Creek. Police were advised that the fire appeared to have been accidental – a small encampment that went up in flames. The source of the fire was suspected to be a woodstove that the resident had been relying on for heat. BC Wildfire Services was asked to attend out of an abundance of caution but there was no threat to residences in the area.
TWO VEHICLE COLLISION
On March 8 at 7:46 am, Chase RCMP were advised of a two-vehicle collision on Estate Drive in Anglemont. Police, Ambulance and North Shuswap First Responders attended. A blue pickup was negotiating a steep decline with a sharp curve and slid over the center line into an oncoming white mini-van. Though the collision occurred at low speeds, the impact punted the mini-van backwards off the road and down a steep embankment. The occupants of both vehicles were all transported to hospital for treatment of what appeared to be minor injuries. The collision was caused by slippery road conditions.
MISCHIEF
On March 9 at 6:30 am, Chase RCMP were advised of mischief to a business on Shuswap Ave in Chase. Police attended and learned that a rock had been used to smash the glass front door. Nothing appeared to be missing from the shop. There was no damage to other businesses in the area and no one reported seeing anything suspicious that morning. It remains unknown why anyone would purposely cause damage to a small local business.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON
On March 11 at 6:06 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a suspicious person on Wilson Street in Chase. The caller reported a man walking past the curling rink carrying a machete in his hand and thought this seemed concerning. Police agreed. The man was said to be wearing a green jacket with a hood and a back pack and was walking toward Shuswap Ave. Police conducted extensive patrols of Chase, spoke with pedestrians in the area and checked at known problem areas but did not locate anyone matching the description. No one else reported seeing a man carrying a machete.
ASSAULT
On March 11 at 10:15 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of an assault at an establishment in Sorrento. Staff reported a male was pushed from behind, face first into a counter top which resulted in damage to his face. Police attended and obtained photographs and statements. The suspect sought out Police and was arrested and subsequently released with a future court date. The victim was treated by paramedics for a cut and possible broken nose. The two were strangers to each other but had exchanged unkind words before the assault.
FIRE REPORT
On March 17 at 8:52 pm, Chase RCMP were requested to attend the Chase Skate Park on Pine Street for a report that 20 teenagers had lit something on fire. Police attended with the Chase Fire Department but did not find a fire or any teenagers. Patrols of Chase were conducted and the only fire in the village was a controlled burn in a field off VLA Road.
ASSAULT
On March 19 at 6:05 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of an assault at a home in Chase. The caller reported an extended family member punched him in the face. Police were told the family member had a machete with him and although he didn’t use it, the caller had somehow received a cut on his hand during the scuffle. Police, Ambulance and Chase Fire Rescue attended. The victim was treated for minor injuries and did not wish to pursue the matter with Police. The family member had already departed on foot and Police were unable to locate him.
