On Dec. 14 about 4:30 a.m., two oncoming tractor-trailer units collided on Highway 1, about five kilometres east of Chase.
The impact landed both vehicles in the ditch on opposite sides of the highway. The driver as well as the passenger of the eastbound unit were not hurt, while the driver of the westbound unit was transported to Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital with serious injuries. The collision is under investigation by Chase RCMP. Police report the highway was extremely slippery and the road lines were obscured by heavy snow. Motorists are reminded to slow down when road conditions are poor.
Break and enters
Chase RCMP received reports of four break and enters to residences on Squilax-Anglemont Road from Scotch Creek to Anglemont recently, as well as a number of gas thefts.
Added to the list are a number of businesses that were broken into. They include the Home Hardware in Scotch Creek, as well as the area’s Super Valu which had one of their storage containers broken into and some food items stolen.
No suspects had been identified at press time and it was unknown whether the break and enters have been committed by the same individuals. The investigation is continuing.
“We advise communities to get together and form a neighborhood watch or citizens on patrol group for those overnight hours,” says Sgt. Gary Heebner of the Chase RCMP.
He encourages people to get alarm systems installed or some form of video surveillance.
“Video surveillance is the best means of catching people but the picture also has to be clear and high resolution. Also we need to see the face clearly,” he explains. “While someone in the community might be able to identify a person based on a photo of their back, it will not stand up in court.”
The Chase RCMP have received complaints of someone scattering roofing nails in the parking lot at the Chase Clinic, 826 Thompson Ave., during the night. There have been five to six occurrences over the past two to three months, says Heebner.
Fortunately the area targeted has not impacted ambulances which come and go regularly.
“The nails are generally just where the doctors and staff park,” says Heebner.
No one has reported damage to their vehicles, as most nails have been spotted before they could cause problems. This, says Heebner, is another circumstance where surveillance would be helpful.
Anyone who may have information about this mischief is asked to call Chase RCMP at 250-679-3221, or Crime Stoppers.
Road checks
Chase RCMP will be conducting random check stops throughout the Christmas season looking for impaired drivers. They would like to remind everyone to drive safely, and enjoy the holidays.