Clearwater RCMP responded to 21 calls for service this past week including a serious crash requiring a BCEHS air ambulance, an unreported stolen vehicle recovery and a suspicious fire in the Clearwater Flats.
On Monday March 3, 2025, at 10:52 a.m. an Alberta Beach woman called the RCMP to report a single vehicle collision on Highway 5 and Webb Road near Little Fort. A grey Ford pickup truck rolled several times, and the driver was trapped under the vehicle. The north bound Lane was blocked. Sgt. Grant Simpson, detachment commander for the Clearwater RCMP said, “Cpl. Meyer and myself attended. BC Ambulance, Little Fort Fire Rescue, Blackpool Fire and Rescue and Argo Highways were on scene. The driver and sole occupant was conscious with broken bones and breathing issues. Cpl. Meyer obtained photos of the scene including the vehicle which was totalled. The driver and registered owner identified as a 56-year-old Bridge Lake man.”
Simpson said "a witness observed the vehicle go off road right, into the ditch, over correct and then roll at least six times on the highway, ejecting the driver in the process. The driver was apparently not using his seat belt. Cpl. Meyer contacted the driver’s wife and advised her of the collision and that BC Air Ambulance Helicopter flew her husband to Kamloops Royal Inland Hospital.”
Sgt. Simpson said highways crews cleaned debris off Highway 5, and started alternating traffic until a local tow company arrived and removed the vehicle. The police file number and accident report were provided to the driver’s wife for insurance purposes, with a copy sent to ICBC as well.
Simpson reports that on Tuesday, March 25, Barriere RCMP advised Const. Van Woudenberg they had recovered a vehicle up Dunn Lake Road in Barriere.
"Although it wasn't initially reported as stolen, after speaking to the registered owner, a 59-year-old Clearwater man, it was discovered it had been stolen and never reported," said Simpson. "Barriere advised the owner to come into the detachment and file a report the following day. The owner was advised to arrange a tow, but due to a language barrier, it was not certain this was understood. Vehicle details were provided to Clearwater by a Barriere member. The owner attended the detachment and reported the theft.” The Sgt. noted that surveillance of the incident was obtained and will be reviewed with hope of identifying the perpetrator(s). The owner arranged retrieval of the vehicle through the local tow company who recovered the truck.
Simpson also reported that on Friday, March 28, at 01:26 a.m., Clearwater RCMP were advised by Clearwater Fire Department of a fire in the 100 block of Capostinsky Road, Clearwater. Const. Van Woudenberg attended and found a building completely engulfed in flames. The Clearwater Fire Department was on scene ensuring it didn't spread to residences nearby. Const. Van Woudenberg knew the building to be an old collapsed barn that had been there for the past two years or so.
The property belongs to a 65-year-old local man. Fire and Rescue found a trail camera on the property and turned it over to the RCMP member. Fire reported neighbours hadn't seen anyone nearby prior to seeing the fire and calling the fire department.
Simpson said patrols were made of the area, but no one was outside hanging around.
"Cst. Van Woudenberg called the property owner the following day who advised the footage went right to his phone. He advised he got two photos shortly after 12:30 a.m. These were reviewed for any suspicious activity. Const. Van Woudenberg spoke to neighbours within eyesight of the burned building. No one saw anything suspicious prior to the fire or over the last few days.”
The investigation is ongoing.
