Clearwater RCMP responded to 31 calls for service this past week including driving without a license and food theft.
On Wednesday July 31 the manager of a local convenience store called to report a theft of a steak. Sgt. Grant Simpson, detachment commander of the Clearwater RCMP said, “A local male was caught on surveillance video stuffing a ribeye steak into the right cargo pocket of his shorts.” Sgt. Simpson attended the store and obtained an emailed copy of the video and was advised who they believed the male was as he was associated to a previous employee.
“Staff also believed that the male lived in a mobile home park in Blackpool. The manager advised he would attempt to confirm the male’s name with the previous employee and had sent him a copy of the video surveillance, said Simpson. The Sgt. was able to identify the male in the video and later attended his home and spoke with him there. Simpson said, “He came to the door and I suggested to him that he likely knew why I was at his door. The male paused a moment and then stated he hadn't eaten in two days."
Simpson quickly provided the male his charter rights and police caution which he indicated that he understood. He then went on to state that "I planned on going back tomorrow to pay for it." Sgt. Simpson asked why he didn't just pay for it right then and there, to which the male replied that he had no money right now but would be receiving a government cheque in the mail the next afternoon. The male promised Sgt. Simpson that once he had received his cheque that he would go to the store and pay for the steak, which he'd already consumed. Sgt. Simpson also suggested utilizing the local food bank. Exercising discretion and some leniency Simpson said he decided to give the male the opportunity to pay for the steak he had shoplifted and told him that if he did not he would return to arrest him for theft. A photo of the empty shrink wrap packaging for the steak was obtained. Shortly thereafter Simpson re-attended the convenience store and spoke with the manager updating him on the development in this case. Simpson added, “The manager said he was fine with this and understood the male's predicament but suggested that he should have just explained this, rather than resorting to shoplifting. He added that he will likely ban the male from the store for a period of time.” Sgt. Simpson advised the manager to call back if the steak was not paid for as promised.
On Saturday August 3 at 11:15 p.m. Sgt. Simpson reports a female complainant called the RCMP requesting an ‘assist to the general public’ 20 kilometers up Highway 24 near Little Fort, B.C. “She had come across a vehicle that was broken down and the driver had no cell service. The complainant did not have room to provide the driver with a ride,” said Simpson.
The Sgt. reports Const. Meyer attended the scene of the broken-down vehicle just after midnight and located the vehicle partially blocking the west bound lane. “The vehicle was running, and the driver and sole occupant provided his name and advised that he did not have a Driver’s License or Identification and was prohibited from driving. A photo was obtained of the male for investigative purposes,” said Simpson. The Sgt. said the vehicle was pushed a quarter kilometer downhill off the roadway. He adds, “While waiting for a tow truck, Const. Meyer drove to cell service and confirmed descriptors and keyword for the male driver. His identity was confirmed along with his driving prohibition details.” Simpson said the male’s grandma was contacted and she arranged to drive from Quesnel to pick her grandson up at the Little Fort Gas Station at 5:30 a.m. that morning. Const. Meyer then returned to the location and issued the driver an Appearance Notice for Drive While Prohibited or Suspended, under Section 95 of the Motor Vehicle Act. “A seven-day Vehicle Impound Notice was also issued and a copy to the driver as well as the tow truck operator,” said Simpson. The tow truck operator transported the driver to Little Fort to await the arrival of his grandma. Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information request was faxed to ICBC. All required documents were faxed to Road Safety BC. Investigation is ongoing…
