Chase RCMP Reports Suspicious Blanket, Monsters & Collisions

Media Release Sgt Barry Kennedy NCO i/c Chase Detachment October 26, 2022

COLLISION AND TRESPASSING

On October 5, 2022 at 5:53 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a single vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway, west of Chase. The driver swerved to miss a dog and instead hit a giant road sign and went in the ditch. The dog ran off. Passers-by, concerned the dog might be injured, followed it onto fenced private property, past a gate and a ‘no trespassing’ sign.  Startled to find strangers trespassing on his property and unaware of the accident, the homeowner phoned 911 and threatened to chase the trespassers away with a bat. The 911 call-taker realized what was likely happening and was able to de-escalate the situation until Police arrived. Police investigated the collision, organized the tow, scolded the well-meaning trespassers and re-assured the homeowner but did not locate the dog.

MISSING PATIENT

On October 11, Chase RCMP were notified that a psychiatric patient had escaped from his medical transport on route to the lower mainland from Alberta. The patient had been permitted a brief restroom break without an escort and had seized the opportunity to flee. Chase RCMP were requested to assist in locating the patient. Police were warned that the patient had a history of aggression toward police officers. Chase RCMP searched for the patient with assistance from Kamloops Police Dog Services. The patient eventually returned to the medical transport vehicle of his own accord. Police were then required to escort the medical staff and their patient to the nearest hospital.  

SUSPICIOUS BLANKET

On October 12, Chase RCMP were requested to investigate a possible body in the South Thompson River. A fisherman noticed a blanket that seemed to be wrapped around a human shaped object. The object was resting under two feet of water, near a sand bar in the middle of the river. The blanket appeared to be stained with blood.

The complainant explained that Police would need to travel by boat to the sand bar and then wade into the river to reach the blanket. The river was too low for the RCMP boat, so the complainant generously volunteered to transport Police to the site. With dread, Police waded into the river and began to examine the blanket. What initially appeared to be blood splotches, was in fact, a red floral pattern on a beige background. To everyone’s immense relief, the blanket contained nothing but sand and rocks.

IMPAIRED DRIVER

On October 14, Chase RCMP were advised of a motor vehicle collision on Holding Road. Neighbours heard a crash and hurried outside in the dark to check on the driver. The driver had failed to negotiate a curve; his pickup crossed the centre line and went off the road. The pickup stopped when it became wedged on top of a concrete barrier that prevented the truck from plummeting down a steep embankment into the Adams River. Police noted that the driver seemed unsteady on his feet; however, this is not unusual given the circumstances. During the investigation, breath samples were obtained from the driver.  The breath samples produced ‘fail’ readings, indicating that the driver’s ability to drive was impaired by alcohol. Luckily, no one was harmed. The driver received a 90-day driving prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

MONSTERS UNDER THE BED

On October 16 at 12:14 am, Chase RCMP were requested to attend a local motel room to investigate a suspicious situation. The complainant was convinced there was someone under his bed. He was hiding in the bathroom, while waiting for Police. Police attended and summoned the courage to check under the bed. There was nothing underneath it. No monsters under the bed...this time.

SUSPICIOUS OBJECT

On October 20 at 3:00 pm, Chase RCMP received another report of a possible body on the bank of the South Thompson River near Pritchard. The caller had been driving along the Trans Canada Highway when he observed something human shaped, covered with birds. Police walked along the river shore for a considerable distance but found only a human shaped log with a bunch of birds on it.

STOLEN TRUCK

On October 24 between 1200 and 1700 hrs, Chase RCMP received a report that a truck was stolen from a property on Express Point Rd, Scotch Creek.  The truck was described as a 2005 Silver Dodge Ram 3500 with BC Licence Plate: CJ1133.  The truck has chrome wheels, a tonneau cover, rock tamer mud flaps and a very strong trailer hitch. The truck would have front end damage now as the thieves seemingly drove through the front gate of the property.  No witnesses nor suspects have been identified.

COLLISION

On October 24 at 8:06 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a two vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway, west of Chase.  The complainant was on hold with 911 attempting to report an erratic driver, when the vehicle (a white Mini Cooper), crossed the centre line and struck an oncoming Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep Cherokee entered the ditch and flipped several times.  The driver was not seriously injured but their dog was ejected through the shattered sunroof and could not be found. The investigation determined that the driver of the Mini Cooper had suffered a medical emergency before the collision. He was treated by Paramedics and transported to hospital for further assessment.

The following day, the dog was spotted running along the highway — the dog and owner were happily reunited.