CRIME CLIPS: Fuel siphoned, icy roads cause collision with semi-trailer
By Boundary Sentinel
Studies have shown that crime rates tend to increase at Christmas, as “the season of giving” can be difficult for those living under the poverty line and sometimes results in impulsive, desperate acts. Fortunately, the Grand Forks and Midway RCMP have had a fairly uneventful month so far, with only two thefts and zero shoplifting incidents reported this past week.
At the same time, with just over two weeks to go until the New Year, roadside checks are out in full force and impaired drivers are facing the consequences with suspended licenses and impounded vehicles.
According to Cpl. Richard Lantz of the Grand Forks RCMP, there were a total of 95 reports for Midway and Grand Forks filed with police between Dec. 8 and 15.
Senior prohibited from driving
On Oct. 8 at 4:56 p.m. police received a report of a possible impaired driver in Grand Forks. The vehicle was located on 2nd Street out by the airport. Officers attended and spoke to the driver in the vehicle and detected alcohol on the driver’s breath.
An ASD (Approved Screening Device or “roadside tester”) demand was read and two breath samples were taken, both resulting in a fail. Consequently, the driver, a 75-year-old Grand Forks male, was given a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition (IRP) and given a ride to his residence. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Empties taken from carport
On Dec. 11 at 9:56 a.m. a theft was reported to police. An unknown person allegedly entered the carport of a Grand Forks residence and stole a number of bags filled with empty bottles. “At this time there are no suspects,” said Lantz, “but information was provided to make their (the complainant’s) residence more secure.”
Trailer with appliances and furniture stolen
A short while later on Dec. 11, around 11 a.m., a utility trailer was reported stolen. The trailer, which had expired plates, was parked at the end of Beatrice Ave. in Grand Forks.
“The trailer is described as a 6’x10′ white tilt utility trailer with 1’x4′ sides built to about 2 feet,” said Lantz. “There were some household belongings like a washer/dryer and a couch on this trailer.” If anyone has any information, please contact Grand Forks RCMP.
Pot seized during domestic dispute
Again on Dec. 11, this time around 8 p.m., police were called to a Grand Forks residence regarding a family dispute. While there, a small amount of cannabis was seized. According to Lantz, “No charges are being recommended for this possession, due to the small quantity.”
Minor injuries after semi collision, thanks to seatbelts
At 7:16 p.m. on Dec. 12, a report was received of a motor vehicle collision on Hwy 3 near Eholt Road, between Grand Forks and Greenwood. The driver of a black Volkswagen Golf lost control on the icy roads, causing it to spin around into the path of an oncoming semi-trailer truck. The collision resulted in extensive damage to the Volkswagen.
“Only minor injuries were received in this incident,” reported Lantz, “due to everyone wearing seatbelts. The airbags didn’t even go off.” Both drivers, the only occupants of the vehicles, were wearing seatbelts. The driver of the Volkswagen was a 40-year-old female from Vancouver. “Lucky!” commented Lantz.
Sucking up gasoline
On Dec. 13 at 9:50 a.m. a complainant reported that fuel had been siphoned from a vehicle parked on Donaldson Road in Grand Forks. The incident happened sometime overnight. “To get the fuel out of the vehicle, the fuel cap had to be jimmied,” explained Lantz, “which caused damage to the vehicle.”
He estimated the damage to be around $200. The amount of fuel siphoned was around $25 worth. If anyone has information about this crime, please contact the RCMP.
Cannabis seized during roadside checks
Later the same day at 7:33 p.m. the Grand Forks RCMP were conducting a roadside check at Spraggett Road and 67th Ave. An odour of marijuana was detected while checking a vehicle and 23.25 grams of cannabis was seized. The driver of the vehicle was a 24-year-old local male. No charges were laid.
Less than half an hour later, at 7:59 p.m., another vehicle was stopped at the same roadside check. Again, officers could smell marijuana in the vehicle. A search was conducted and small amount of cannabis was seized. No charges were recommended. The driver was a 20-year-old Grand Forks male.
Another failed breathalyser
On Dec. 14 at 8:25 p.m. another report of a possible impaired driver was received. Based on the information given, the vehicle was located and stopped. “The driver had a strong odour of alcohol coming from him,” said Lantz, “along with slurred speech.”
The ASD demand was read and two breath samples were obtained. According to Lantz, “Readings both were a fail.” As a result, the driver—a 57-year-old Grand Fork male— was issued a 90-day IRP and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
While the Boundary Sentinel endeavors to report on any files of interest to the community, anything under the Mental Health Act cannot be published.
