Sgt. Grant Simpson, detachment commander for the Clearwater RCMP, reports that on Friday July 13 while conducting patrols on Highway 5 southbound, Cpl. McGeorge was passed by an Alberta plated white Ford F450 heading into a bad curve against a double solid line.
Even though McGeorge activated his emergency equipment, the vehicle failed to stop for several kilometres.
“Upon eventually stopping, the driver failed to follow Cpl. McGeorge’s direction, yelled, screamed, and was observed reaching under his seat," Simpson said. "Cpl. McGeorge advised him that he was under arrest and directed him to open the door however he refused. After several moments and being advised that his window would be smashed, Cpl. McGeorge was forced to break the driver’s side window to ensure his safety. The driver then exited and squared off to fight with his fists clenched. At this point Cpl. McGeorge deployed his OC spray. After several minutes, the driver, a 45-year-old Drayton Valley man, was taken into custody.”
The driver was then provided the reason for his arrest and his charter rights and police warning. He was subsequently issued a Violation Ticket for Fail to Complete Pass Safely under the Motor Vehicle Act.
“After speaking at length with the driver, he advised that he suffers from severe PTSD and was in a rush to get to Kamloops," Simpson said. "He became upset with the lights and sirens and the thought of getting a ticket and lost control of his ability to regulate his emotions. Once calmed, the driver was very apologetic and even hugged Cpl. McGeorge after being released."
On Saturday, June 14, a Birch Island man contacted Clearwater RCMP to report a Blue Chevy camper van parked oddly on Lost Creek Road in Vavenby, Simpson said, noting the complainant reported that he had stopped and talked with the female occupant who appeared intoxicated, displaying slurred speech and confusion.
"The complainant advised that the female had stated she was going home. Const. Maibauer conducted patrols in the area and found a van matching the description parked on the front lawn of a residence on Vavenby Bridge Road in Vavenby."
Simpson said a female identified as the registered owner was sitting in a rear passenger seat drinking from what appeared to be a can of beer.
"Const. Maibauer advised the owner she was under investigative detention and was provided her Charter Rights and Police Caution from memory. She admitted to driving but not recently.”
Sgt Simpson said she was educated on the dangers of impaired driving but as she was not in care and control of the vehicle and her driving the vehicle was never witnessed, no further action was taken and that she agreed to go into her house and stay there for the rest of the night. Const. Maibauer completed a follow up with the complainant who was satisfied with the outcome.
On Sunday the June 15 at 11:41 a.m., a Clearwater man called the RCMP to report a third-party threats report in the 900 block of Old North Thompson Highway in Blackpool, B.C.
“The complainant reported that his neighbour threatened to kill his friend today," said Simpson. "Cpl. Meyer contacted the complainant who said he was not afraid for his safety, as it was just another day that his neighbour was yelling at his friend who had stopped by to pick up his golf clubs. Cpl. Meyer spoke with the neighbour who denied any threats. He just didn't want strangers on his property."
Simpson added the complainant was outside with different friends and was able to hear actions taken by police.
