CRIME CLIPS: ‘Tis the season for slippery roads and vehicle checks

By Michelle Croissant

While thefts from automobiles continued their hiatus last week in the Grand Forks and Midway areas, Grand Forks RCMP want to stress that it is the time of year again when road conditions are becoming more dangerous and Christmas festivities are increasing the risk for impaired driving. 

"It's that time of the year,” said Cpl. Richard Lantz, “that the RCMP have been out conducting road checks, looking for possible impaired drivers, and to ensure all vehicles are insured and [drivers have] proper licenses. This is the beginning of the Christmas season, so be aware." 

When asked about motor vehicle accidents due to recent weather conditions, Lantz said, "Actually, we haven't been bad yet, touch wood." He hopes that people are driving sensibly. "That's the biggest thing." RCMP did road checks the night of the Gallery 2 wine gala and Lantz was pleased to report that "everyone going through was going by taxi or had a designated driver."

Break-and-enter on Industrial Road

At 8 a.m. on Nov. 17 a complaint was received of a break-and-enter at the Loomis office situated on Industrial Road in Grand Forks. Unknown suspects entered the building and opened several boxes that were inside. 

“The alarm on the building was not triggered for some unknown reason," reported Lantz. It does not appear that anything was stolen. Loomis is having their security system checked. If anyone has information about this incident, please call Grand Forks RCMP at 250-442-8288.

Drunk driver socializes with officers

Later on Nov. 17, at 10:40 p.m., RCMP officers happened to be at the Grand Forks PetroCan station when a driver parked his car, entered the store and began conversing with them and the staff person. A strong odour of alcohol on the man’s breath was detected and the officers asked that he submit to a roadside screening. 

The Grand Forks resident refused to provide a sample and, as a result, was issued an immediate 90-day roadside prohibition. The vehicle, which contained open alcohol, was impounded for 30 days and the man was issued a violation ticket in addition to the prohibition.

Ice causes collision with parked trucks

On Nov. 22 at 11:10 a.m. a report was received of a three-vehicle collision on 72nd Ave. in front of the Grand Forks Home Hardware Store. A red Chevy Blazer turned left onto 3rd Ave., spun out on the ice, and hit two trucks parked in front of the store. 

There were no injuries reported and only minor damage done to the parked vehicles. The female driver was a 79-year-old Grand Forks resident.

Church that gives gets taken from

On Nov. 23 at 6:30 a.m. police were called to investigate a theft at the Gospel Chapel on Donaldson Drive in Grand Forks. The office was ransacked, with several items being moved about. A laptop was stolen. 

There was no evidence of a break and enter, and police speculate that the unknown suspect had stayed inside the church until after it was locked up the night before. "Nothing is sacred anymore," said Lantz, "especially when they have to break into a church." 

The Gospel Chapel does a lot to help those living in poverty in the community, including running an annual Christmas Hamper program. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact the RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Single vehicle accident

Half an hour later, at 7 a.m. on Nov. 23, a single vehicle collision was reported to police. The accident happened west of Grand Forks at the top of Spencer's Hill near Sleepy Hollow Rd. 

It appears the Blue Ford Ranger, driven by a 48-year-old female from Fruitvale, lost control, spun around, and wound up with one end of the vehicle in the ditch and the other end partially blocking the westbound lane of traffic. 

There were no injuries reported. The vehicle incurred minor damage and was towed. 

While the Boundary Sentinel endeavors to report on any files of interest to the community, anything under the Mental Health Act cannot be published.