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Joseph Deuling, LL.B
“Proudly serving Lumby & District”
Miller St. Lumby – 250-547-8827
Missing woman from Lumby found
September 25, 2012
Missing woman Susan CATT has been located alive in remote area near Cherryville, BC.
CATT was located by a father and son from the Delta area who were hunting near the Ferry Creek Rd late yesterday evening. The hunters had been in the Cherryville Emporium earlier in the day and read the missing person report that had been posted there. While out hunting on a Forestry Rd, the son recognized the Pontiac Sunfire parked under a tree as the one on the public notification poster. The two men approached the car to find CATT lying in the rear seat. She was extremely incoherent and alone at the time the two found her.
The two went to call of help immediately and CATT was been taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Initial assessment is she will survive this ordeal. Her family has been notified that she was found and details of the location they are with her at the present time. The police are continuing to follow up with this investigation.
The RCMP would like to thank all media outlets for their messaging to the public of the disappearance of CATT as it greatly assisted the father and son recognizing the vehicle and quickly contacting the police.
The quick action of the father and son being in the right place at the right time likely saved the woman’s life.
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LUMBY RCMP SEEK MISSING PERSON
September 24, 2012
The RCMP in Lumby and area are actively searching for Susan Gay CATT 52 years old from the Lumby. CATT had planned an outing with her mother on September 22nd at 9:00 AM but failed to show. She has not been seen since. She is driving a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, light blue in color, with British Columbia license plate #350 FFE.
CATT is believed to be wearing a pink top, blue jeans and runners. She is Caucasian, has short brown hair with light streaks, 5'6" and 150 lbs.
There is a possibility that this missing female may wish to harm herself. She may be headed for a remote, rural location somewhere in the Lumby/Nakusp area. Police are asking area hunters, fishermen and loggers to keep an eye open for the vehicle on local forest service roads, lakes, forest recreation sites etc.
Police have searched her favorite locations on the ground and from the air with negative results.
If anyone has any knowledge whatsoever concerning the location of Susan CATT they are asked to call their local RCMP detachment immediately.
The number for the Lumby detachment is 250-547-2151
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Hiker rescued from Pinnacles area
September 17, 2012
A 72 year old hiker was rescued from the Pinnacles area on Sunday.
A helicopter rescue crew from Penticton was called in to help the injured woman from Vernon who was alos helped fourteen members of Vernon Search and Rescue. The rescue was part of an RCMP and B.C. Ambulance Service response to the popular hiking spot east of Cherryville, at about 2 pm Sunday afternoon.
“The female had been out hiking and had fallen a good number of feet, landing on her back,” said Leigh Pearson, search manager with Vernon Search and Rescue.
The HETS crew (helicopter extraction team) from Penticton was brought in to assist the woman as there was nowhere for a local helicopter to land. She was then taken by ambulance from the Vernon regional airport to Vernon Jubilee Hospital suffering from a back injury, head lacerations and a possible broken pelvis.
The woman had been with a group of hikers when she fell. Because there’s no cell service in that area, one of the group went to a Cherryville restaurant to phone for help.
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Truck spills load at historic sharp corner
September 10, 2012
The sharp turn on Highway 6 two kilometres east of Lumby has claimed yet another semi truck.
A fully loaded westbound logging truck spilled its load rounding a corner after meeting an empty eastbound truck. In an effort to avoid a collision the load of logs spilled as it plunged into the ditch.
The accident occurred shoprtly after 8:30 a.m. and there were no injuries reported. The highway was closed for several hours and traffic was re-routed from Highway 6 along McInnis Road and Rawlings Lake Road.
The sharp corner and the narrow highway where the accident occurred, has become notorious as a place where drivers must slow down as they approach from either direction.
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Tough rescue: Tsuis hiker lost and found
July 25, 2012
The bad weather on Friday July 20th had Search and Rescue members busy in the Tsuis Mountain area searching for a missing hiker.
Steep mountainour terrain mixed with bad weather delayed the search as Police service dog teams from Lumby and Vernon SAR members were called to an area near Monashee Snowcat Lodge to look for the overdue hiker.
According to RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk, one officer and three SAR members had to return to base camp due to injury and equipment failures.
"They had inadequate rain gear and a flashlight malfunction. One of our officers sustained a strained ankle from a slip and fall."
AIR 4 was called out to conduct an aerial search of the man's last known location.
Molendyk says SAR members determined that the man may have followed the creek, that flows to the northwest, to get back to the lodge, but unfortunately the creek flows in the exact opposite direction from the lodge.
"An aerial sweep of the valley did locate him. He was found standing near a large boulder on the valley bottom. He was waving a yellow rain jacket as a signaling flag and one of our officers caught sight of it."
Rough terrain prevented the helicopter from landing safely on the valley floor, resulting in a dramatic rescue, says Molendyk.
"The chopper was brought in close to the large boulder as the hiker climbed up onto the right side of the rock. Touching down with the right skid of the helicopter, on the top of the bolder, the crew opened the door and helped the hiker inside the aircraft. "
He was then flown to the base camp where he was reunited with his adult son. Both men are from the Kelowna area.
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Grow operation dismantled on Mabel Lake Rd in Lumby
July 11, 2012
Yesterday RCMP officers from the North Okanagan Regional detachment executed search warrants in the 1300 block of Mabel Lake Rd. The first was for theft of Telecommunications (Hydro) and the second was for Production of a Controlled substance.
Shortly after our officers arrived on the rural property they arrested a 40 year old resident. The search of the property located 1951 plants in various stages of growth in a large shop. Several pounds of dried bud and a large quantity of cash were also found. There was a hydro by-pass that was supplying some of the electricity. A diesel generator in a large shipping container buried underground was supplying the remainder of the power.
It took several officers most of the day to dismantle the operation and remove the generator from the shipping container. The file is still being investigated the suspect arrested in this case was released later in the day on a promise to appear.
The RCMP in the North Okanagan continue to make it a priority to investigate the grow operations in our area. The police would like to remind everyone that if you suspect this type of activity in your neighborhood to please contact the nearest detachment with the details. As part of our ongoing commitment to deal with the grow operations in our area we always appreciate the information that is provided by the concerned residents of the communities we serve.
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Four charged in Lumby crime spree
July 6, 2012
Four men have been charged with breaking into several businesses in Lumby.
Back on June 13, Sister’s Restaurant, The Edible Canvas Bistro, Café Mazzega, The Dark Rooster Coffee House, the Lumby Pool and the Lumby Bottle Depot were all broken into. A week later, the Edible Canvas was broken into yet again.
Charged with nine counts of break and enter and theft are Tye Donavon Kelly, 19, and Skyler Joshua Demers, 20, both of Lumby. The other two men, charged, are young offenders and cannot be named. Police have recovered a majority of the stolen property.
On July 1 another business was broken into and the police have suspects in mind. The thieves broke into the Blue Ox Pub, smashing a window and stealing a significant amount of liquor.
Evidence has been secured, but police are still asking anyone who has knowledge of the offence to call Crime Stoppers or the Lumby RCMP.
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Wally Caput’s caddy stolen and flipped
July 6, 2012
Police were called to Caput's Sand and Gravel in Lumby, on July 3, after receiving a report of a stolen car.
According to Cpl. Proce, the vehicle was a green Cadillac and belonged to a well known local senior, Wally Chaput. The Cadillac was recovered later on the same afternoon less than a kilometre away from where it was stolen. The car had been driven over an embankment and flipped.
Proce says it was a total loss.
Police have no suspects as yet and are looking for information from the public as to who may have stolen the vehicle.
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Suspected Lumby vandal captured
June 25, 2012
RCMP were called out to Eastwood Road in Lumby Sunday evening for report of party and youths drinking and the call would lead them to a 16-year-old suspected behind a recent rash of break and enters in Lumby.
“The investigation led the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect in the recent break and enters to seven businesses in the Lumby area over the last 11 days,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
“The damage and the items stolen have cost local businesses thousands, not only in the damages and theft but lost revenue as several had to keep their businesses closed for a time.”
The victim businesses are: Sister’s Restaurant, the Dark Rooster Coffee House, Café Mazzega, two incidents at the Edible Canvas, Lumby Bottle Depot (an attempt only) and the Lumby Pool office. The thieves stole liquor, cash, a Canon camera and computer equipment and damaged the businesses.
The youth suspect is expected to appear in court in August.
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Evacuation alert is in place
Flooding along the Middle and Upper Shuswap
Update: June 24, 2012
Evacucation Alert has been lifted but there remains a Flood Watch condition that may change. Contact MVS to post your observations regarding weather, road and flood conditions.
June 19, 2012
Recent rain and snowmelt continues to contribute to a steady rise in water levels in North Okanagan lakes and streams. Especially vulnerable are low lying properties along the Shuswap River from Sugar Lake through to Mara Lake. An evacuation alert is in place for this entire area.
Gord Molendyk, North Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre spokesperson told media, “There is localized flooding in several areas.”
"Many of the residents have followed through with sandbagging their properties and are moving their animals out of the immediate flood threat."
The Emergency Operations Centre is reminding residents that the danger of flooding is not over and now a sandbag pick up location has been set up at 205 Aumond Rd. in Cherryville.
"With weather forecasts of sunny and 30 degrees for Thursday and then rain for the weekend, water levels could continue to rise along the river," said Molendyk.
"Take the necessary measures to protect your families and livestock, by sandbagging homes and buildings, set up water pumps if need be. Prepare your family to leave your home if an evacuation order is declared. Emergency personnel should be your last resort to assist you in an evacuation should it become your only means of getting out."
For other sandbag locations and flood updates, go to www.rdno.ca and www.vernon.ca/em/index.html. You can also call a pre-recorded information line at 250-550-3232.
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Crime spree hits village
June 17, 2012
Not all is well with retail merchants in Lumby as concerns over a crime spree grows. During the night of June 10th, someone broke into a room at the Twin Creeks motel by breaking a window and the room was then heavily damaged and ransacked.
Then, on the night of June 14th, six local businesses were broken into: Sister’s Restaurant, the Dark Rooster Coffee House, Café Mazzega, the Edible Canvas, Lumby Bottle Depot (an attempt only) and the Lumby Pool office. The thieves stole liquor, cash, a Canon camera and computer equipment.
In each case the thieves smashed windows and kicked in doors in order to gain entry.
“It is intolerable for our small community to have individuals capable of this much crime in one night,” said Lumby RCMP Cpl. Henry Proce. “Each of these small businesses survive on a very small margin and these sort of repeated financial hits will cause them to simply close up shop.”
Any information the public can provide concerning this crime spree would be put to good use by police. Call the Lumby detachment at 250-547-2151 if you have any information.
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Grow-op discovered on Begbie Rd
June 5, 2012
Police were called to a home in Cherryville after receiving a report of an assault, but when they arrived they found a marijuana grow operation instead.
On May 22, RCMP responded to complaint of an assault with a weapon at 63 Begbie Road. Once on scene no charges were laid in relation to the assault, but officers did find 800 small and medium sized marijuana plants.
Molendyk says it appeared construction was underway for a much larger and more permanent illegal facility. No charges have been laid in relation to this investigation.
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Close call: Near Amber Alert for 8 year old
June 5, 2012
Police in the North Okanagan are breathing a sigh of relief that they did not have to issue an Amber Alert.
An 8-year-old girl failed to board her bus and did not arrive at school on May 28. According to Molendyk, officers pulled out all the stops and were considering issuing an 'Amber Alert', when the child was found walking along Highway 6.
"She had walked that far from her residence in the 1100 block of Mabel Lake Road. A passing motorist was aware the little girl was missing from school and recognized her."
She was identified and returned safely to her foster parents.
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Boat missing on Mabel Lake
June 5, 2012
Police are looking for the owners of an aluminum boat that was recovered on Mable Lake.
A cottage owner found the boat, which appeared to have been adrift for some time, floating in the middle of the lake.
Contact the RCMP if you are missing this craft, and it will be returned to you.
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Update:Taylor Van Diest homicide
Matthew Foerster now facing 1st degree murder charge
April 19, 2012
Investigators with the RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit and the offices of the BC Crown Prosecutor are confirming that there has been an amendment to criminal charges on April 18 2012, regarding Matthew Foerster.
Matthew Foerster’s initial charge of second degree murder has been upgraded to 1st degree murder in connection with the homicide death of Taylor Van Diest.
The Southeast District Major Crimes Unit are continuing their investigative efforts and would like to hear from anyone who has not already spoken to investigators with information about any contact they had with Matthew Foerster on Halloween night 2011. With the recent release of his photo and recent video images, we would like to hear from any other witnesses who may have information regarding that night.
Investigators also are continuing their efforts in establishing a time line of his travels and activities from December 2011 up to the end of March 2012.
The release of these photos and video images were made in order to advance this investigation and in an effort to determine whether there are any other offenses that need further review.
Should anyone have any information regarding these matters, please call the specially created tip line established for this investigation at 1-888-688-4264.
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Holmes Road grow op found
April 16, 2012
Last week, Lumby RCMP took down a large grow op in Cherryville.
According to RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk, police found over 2700 marijuana plants in various stages of growth along with growing equipment and a Hydro bypass at a residence on Holmes Road.
"There is always a safety concern in these types of operations. When the individual bypasses the electrical system to steal power they put themselves and anyone who enters the grow operation at risk."
The Electrical Distributors Association indicates grow operations can consume upwards of 300 kilowatt-hours per day, which is 10 times the average household electricity consumption.
Molendyk also expressed concern about the fire danger.
"Quite often chemicals are stored at grow operations, they include liquid nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides that could create toxic smoke if ignited. There is also the risk of chemical spills at grow operations."
No one was inside the home at the time of the search. Officers are still investigating the file as they attempt to located the person responsible.
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Father and son arrested in Van Diest homicide probe
April 5, 2012
RCMP have confirmed that a father and son have been arrested and charged in the Halloween night murder of Armstrong teenager Taylor Van Diest last year. Former Cherryville resident Matthew Foerster, 26, was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder in the 18-year-old's slaying. His father, 58-year-old Steven Foerster, has been charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.
Van Diest was found unconscious and fatally wounded in the bushes near the railroad tracks that run through the small northern Okanagan town on Oct. 31. She died a short time later in hospital.
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April 5, 2012
A family member of Taylor van Diest has disclosed that the RCMP have arrested two suspects in the death of the girl in Armstrong last Halloween. Police have not confirmed the arrests, but they have called a news conference for 1pm today in Armstrong. The 18-year-old was attacked Oct. 31 while she was walking down some railway tracks to a friend's place in Armstrong. She was later found by friends but died in hospital.
April 4, 2012
The RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit has notified MVS that it will be conducting a media conference on Thursday April 5th, 2012 at 1pm in order to update the public regarding the Taylor Van Diest homicide investigation. For the past week, MVS has been officially asking for an update from RCMP and we hope to provide further details from this media conference.
The news conference will take place at 1 p.m. in the City of Armstrong council chambers and police are asking for the media's cooperation and are advising that details regarding this update will not be discussed prior to the media conference due to the current and sensitive status of the investigation.
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Previous MVS Reports of the Taylor Van Diest homicide investigation
Update: Police investigation in Cherryville
December 29, 2011
RCMP have confirmed that they were in Cherryville to investigate leads in the death of Armstrong teen Taylor Van Diest, however they said no arrest was made.
Today, Cpl. Dan Moskaluk told MVS, "The RCMP SED MCU (Southeast District Major Crimes Unit) continue their efforts in advancing the investigation into the murder of Taylor Van Diest. Officers have been present in numerous communities conducting interviews throughout BC including Cherryville. No arrests have been made in connection with Taylor's death at this time."
Anybody with any information is asked to call the random tip line set up for the Van Diest homicide at 1-888-688-4264 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
MVS will continue to watch this story closely and to report on any local discoveries that RCMP make public.
Unconfirmed: Murder suspect arrested in Cherryville
December 28, 2011
MVS has unconfirmed reports that RCMP have arrested a suspect in Cherryville in connection with the October 31st murder of an Armstrong teen on Halloween.
The body of 18 year old Taylor Van Diest, was found within the railway right-of-way and her assailant has remained at-large.
According to locals, a police presence that included a police helicopter arrived in Cherryville on Thursday and some local residents claim that an arrest took place, however this remains unconfirmed by police at this time.
Police had been working a major lead in the Diest murder when it has discovered that DNA matched a Kelowna sexual assault in 2005. The Kelowna assault remained unsolved, though police had released a composite drawing of the suspect from the 2005 Kelowna incident.
“As a result of their efforts, the RCMP investigative team have profiled DNA evidence against the person who killed Taylor Van Diest,” said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, RCMP spokesperson, at a press conference in Vernon in November. “This DNA is from an unknown male.”
The suspect DNA sample was not contained within the known offender DNA data bank.
Police had also said the attack on Van Diest was random.
“Investigators can confirm the match, however they do not have the outright identity of this person at this time (Nov),” said Moskaluk. “The investigators are working hard to identify this man, although they would appreciate any assistance the public can provide to help them identify this man.”
According to media reports, based on the DNA evidence, police believed the man who killed Taylor Van Diest is the same man who sexually assaulted a Kelowna woman working for an escort service in April 2005. That sexual assault occurred on April 12, 2005 and was reported to Kelowna RCMP at the time.
“We can confirm that the assault occurred inside the Garden of Eden Escort Agency which was then, and still is, located in the downtown area of Kelowna,” said Moskaluk.
“The victim was an employee of the escort agency at the time of the sexual assault.”
The suspect is described as a Caucasian man with a darker skin tone. He was described as 19-to-20-years-old at the time, making him 25-to-26 today, had dark coloured eyes, possibly brown, with short dark hair.
He was listed as between five-foot-eight and five-foot-10 with a stocky build, though not particularly fit or muscular.
The man also had large distinct side burns and noticeably thick eyebrows.
Moskaluk said it’s important for people to realize the drawing is how the suspect appeared in 2005.
Early on in the investigation RCMP believed that the suspect was a resident of the Okanagan Valley.
“He was a resident of the Okanagan in the spring of 2005, and he was still a resident on Halloween night of this year. It is possible he lived outside of the valley for a period of time from 2005 to 2011,” said Moskaluk.
While it’s unknown what lead to the unconfirmed arrest in Cherryville, police had believed that the suspect’s family, friends or associates held valuable information that would help solve the crimes.
“We ask that residents of the Okanagan think back to the days just prior to Taylor’s murder on Halloween night to see if they recall some form of conflict, or personal upset on the day or days leading up to Halloween,” said Moskaluk.
“This may include financial pressures, relationship pressures, job loss or other serious life stressor.”
The suspect may have had scratches to his face, neck or arms, may have had changes to his regular routine such as missed appointments or commitments to work or school.
Friends, family and associates may have observed noticeable changes in mood on or around Halloween night, and may have made a sudden, unplanned or unexplained departure from the area shortly after the Armstrong murder.
Police believe the individual may be financially dependent on others or collecting social assistance.
Anybody with any information is asked to call the random tip line set up for the Van Diest homicide at 1-888-688-4264 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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Lumby bush party turns ugly
March 31, 2012
Lumby RCMP reponded to a bush party that got out of hand which then resulted in an alleged home invasion.
A March 24th incident led to some individuals being struck by a vehicle and then a family being allegedly confronted by a group of youth.
“It is not uncommon for these bush parties to result in assaults, motor vehicle accidents and vandalism,” said Cpl. Henry Proce, with the RCMP.
The incident apparently began when an individual attempted to leave a party off the Harris Creek forest service road. His pickup truck was swarmed by other people.
“Attempts were made to pull him from his moving vehicle in order to assault him,” said Proce.
“This resulted in the driver accidentally striking three of the crowd with his pickup. Fortunately, the injuries were comparatively minor.”
The driver fled the scene, but other participants at the party followed behind and broke into what they thought was the motorist’s house.
“Unfortunately, the unsuspecting family residing there was awoken in a fright and confronted by a group of very angry and intoxicated young males,” said Proce.
“Police were en route by this point and ended up making several arrests.”
Two men face charges of break and enter, assault and trespass.
RCMP continue to investigate.
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Avalanche near Monashee Powder
March 30, 2012
On Friday morning, shortly after 11:00am the Lumby office of the RCMP were called by the BC Ambulance service reporting injured skiers in the Monashee Mountains between Lumby and Revelstoke.
An avalanche came down on a group skiing in the Monashee Mountains and two people are now recovering from their injuries.
The police were advised that the only access to the area was by helicopter. The group involved was with Monashee Powder Snowcats a company working in the area out with their clients.
It is reported a guide and a photographer were out with several clients when the incident occurred. They had been skiing in the area when a natural avalanche started high in the mountains about them. Two employees of the company were caught in the slide, a guide and several clients with them were able to dig them out.
It has been reported that the two employee’s sustained non life threatened injuries as a result. Both were flown out by air ambulance to Revelstoke hospital for treatment, both employees were examined treated and released from hospital.
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Backcountry snowmobilers robbed
Lumby RCMP Report - March 21, 2012
Backcountry snowmobilers should beware as they leave their vehicles and belongings unattended. Lumby RCMP continues to investigate a couple of thefts from pick-ups parked in remote backcountry areas. Both thefts took place March 10, on Sugar Lake Road while the owners were snowmobiling.
A wallet, binoculars and jacket were stolen from the first pickup, a wallet, iPod and laptop from the second. In the latter case, the truck was parked at the remote 28 kilometre mark on Sugar Lake Road.
“This demonstrates that even if you’re parked in a remote area, you are at risk for crime,” said Lumby RCMP Cpl. Henry Proce. “Ensure there are no valuables in your vehicle.”
Anyone with knowledge concerning these thefts should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or the RCMP at 250-547-2151.
RCMP find an abandoned metal safe
A metal safe was found March 8, at the corner of Brookfield Road and Louie View Drive. According to RCMP, the safe is three-feet-by-one-and-a-half feet, blue in colour with an ‘ALS’ sticker on it, along with a silver dial/combination. There was visible damage to the safe, and it was empty. Efforts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful so far.
If you are missing this item, call the Lumby detachment.
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Pink Shirt Day – Say “No” to Bullying
Anti-Bullying Pilot Project Launched
February 29. 2012
February 29th is Pink Shirt Day, a day that seeks to bring awareness to bullying.
Pink Shirt Day originated in Nova Scotia when two young men stood up to bullying in their high school. A new student was being bullied when he came to school wearing a pink T-shirt. The other students bought 50 pink T-shirts and got other students to wear them to school to show support for the new student who was being bullied. Since this powerful act of solidarity, Pink Shirt Day has made its way across Canada. Last year the call to make a statement against bullying by wearing pink was met with an overwhelming response from schools, employers and politicians. Thousands of people wore pink to school and work. Everyone is encouraged to wear pink on February 29th to show support against bullying.
In a recent development against bullying, the RCMP have launched a new and innovative program in the Nass Valley of British Columbia. The Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP Detachment and School District #92 are excited to announce that they have recently been selected as a pilot site for WITS, the Bullying Prevention Program developed by the RCMP and University of Victoria researchers.
"Youth bullying knows no boundaries,” says University of Victoria psychologist, Dr. Bonnie Leadbeater, who developed the WITS program. “Children everywhere are subjected to this defeating and damaging behaviour that erodes their mental health and can lead to suicide. Youth in Canada's rural communities are particularly vulnerable. A new partnership between the RCMP, youth organizations and researchers from the University of Victoria will train RCMP youth officers to assist schools and communities in delivering this successful anti-bullying program where it's never been offered before".
The primary goal of the program is to create communities that are responsive to the prevention of peer victimization and bullying. The trained RCMP officers will play a central role in assisting school staff, parents, and community leaders in taking a unified approach to reducing bullying in their communities.
"Cst. Vanessa Demerchant has received the training delivered through the evidence-based WITS program. WITS stands for Walk Away, Ignore, Talk It Out and Seek Help, all skills young children can use to deal with bullying. The RCMP recognizes that specialized skills are required to work with youth at risk. Youth Officers receive training that ensures they are fully prepared to deal with the many issues facing youth today."
This good news is perfect timing for members of the Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP who have several events planned in the schools of Nisga'a Villages for Anti-Bullying week, February 27th - March 2nd.
"We work closely on daily basis with school counsellors and the staff of SD#92. We are committed to focusing in on this important issue for the students and the community as a whole. We are very pleased and thankful that our little area of the world was selected for this program."
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Lumby and Cherryville RCMP Report:
RCMP: Multiple thefts and damage during fire
Feb 11, 2012 / 8:00 am – Submitted by the RCMP
RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says a group of thieves were very busy in the Cedar Ridge/Pine/Spruce Roads area during the evening of February 6.
"The following morning we received six complaints of damage to property, thefts from autos, trespassing etc. Three vehicles were entered and items stolen, two of them were unlocked. Neighbours report seeing and hearing at least three men in the area at the time," said Molendyk.
Unfortunately the incidents occurred during the same time a fire was raging at Naps Laundromat on Vernon Street.
Anyone with information is urged to call the RCMP.
Impaired Driver
Lumby RCMP dealt with their first impaired driving incident of the year on February 3 when a pickup truck driver attempted to pass the vehicle in front of him in a dangerous manner.
The driver, a 48-year-old Lumby resident, struck the vehicle while passing on Mable Lake Road, and ended up in a field.
RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says the man attempted to walk away from the scene, but was detained by police.
"Fortunately, there were no injuries. The driver was transported to Vernon Detachment and blew over the legal limit. To add to his troubles, he was already prohibited from driving and will be charged with that too. "
Theft at Gudeit Brother’s
Sometime between February 1 and 6 someone entered Gudeit Brother’s yard on Shuswap Avenue and stole a Delta 15' thickness planer.
The planer was bolted down to a roller track inside their production facility and is estimated to be worth $2500.00.
Molendyk says the planer was dragged across the concrete floor and no doubt loaded into a waiting pick-up. Anyone with possible information concerning this theft is urged to call Crime Stoppers or the Lumby RCMP.
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1000 Pot Plants seized on Mountainview
February 1, 2012
On Tuesday, RCMP raided a home on the 2100 block of Mountainview Avenue in Lumby and seized 1015 marijuana plants.
RCMP Spokesperson Gord Molendyk says officers executed a search warrant and arrested a 36-year-old man who was inside the residence.
"There were 721 mature plants and 294 clones in is home. Police also discovered a hydro by-pass and 36 high watt grow lights."
The home has been posted as uninhabitable and the suspect will appear in court at a later date to face charges of Possession for the purpose, Production of Marihuana and Theft of telecommunications (Hydro).
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RCMP News - Dec 9th - 23rd, 2011
Police often have to deal with mentally unstable individuals and they usually present a unique challenge. One reason is that these folks are usually not criminally responsible for their acts depending on their particular level of mental illness. Here are two examples we had to deal with recently:
2011/25906 - During the evening of December 13 we received two calls back to back of a male downtown who was yelling, swearing, kicking at fences, and generally scaring passers-by.
Police located him downtown. In speaking with the individual, it was obvious he had mental health issues and he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act. The male was frustrated and most likely undergoing a schizophrenic episode. In this case he did calm down, was given a verbal warning, and he and his effects were given a ride to Vernon where he was placed on a bus to Kelowna. This particular male was co-operative with police and did follow the instructions he was given.
2011/26332 - In another case, staff at the Lumby Shell station had a bit of a fright the morning of December 20th when a male entered the premise and was verbally aggressive with them. It appeared he was shoplifting and, at the same time, he became threatening. At one point the male produced a large kitchen knife from a sheath on his belt while continuing to engage the staff in conversation. It was one of two knives he has on him. By this point, 9-1-1 had been called and police arrived on scene. The male, a 65 year old Enderby resident, appeared to have profound mental health issues. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to Vernon Jubilee Hospital for psychiatric assessment. The male was already under release conditions and will face additional charges relating to his weapons and breaching his conditions.
This will be the last news release of 2011. Generally, it's been a good year for the villages of Lumby and Cherryville. Our overall file count is down which generally relates to a lower crime rate as well. We will have to wait for those stats to come out. This past year we attended to some 1100 complaints or calls for service, we wrote approximately 500 traffic tickets. 50% of those were warnings. In addition, we have forwarded 55 criminal charges to Vernon Crown Counsel.
Fatal logging truck accident near Kettle Valley FSR
Nov 28, 2011 - Submitted by RCMP
Update Tuesday November 29, 4:40 p.m. - RCMP have identified the driver of a logging truck killed when his truck went off the road and down a ravine early Monday morning. The deceased is Stanley J. Nelson, 56, of Coldstream. RCMP, the Coroners Service and Work Safe B.C. are investigating the crash. Police say it may take some time before the cause of the accident is known.
RCMP are confirming one person has died in a logging truck accident.
RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says police were called to an area near the Kettle Valley forest road around 3:30 a.m. Monday.
The accident occurred at the 83 KM point of the Mohr Forest Service Rd.
Molendyk says the truck went off the road on the left side into a deep ravine.
The wreckage was found by the the next logging truck that came by.
The unidentified driver is from the Coldstream area.
He died at the scene.
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RCMP Report - Rash of auto thefts
2011/16728 - Over the past week we have responded to a rash of thefts from autos in the Whitevale area. To date, there have been some 7 occurrences (that we are aware of) where cars were entered or attempted to be entered. Stolen items include loose change, I.D. , camera etc. Basically whatever the culprits could find. In almost all cases, the cars were unlocked . Police do have two suspects who resided in the area and both of been arrested on unrelated offenses. However, we are still appealing to the community to call us if they have any information regarding this crime spree in the Whitevale area. If your vehicle was entered illegally during the weekend of August 12-14, and you have not reported it to police, please do so.
2011/16899 - Last weekend’s tragedy near the Gold Panner Campground in Cherryville has already been well documented in local media. Three males were hiking along the top of a canyon that cuts through the area. Two of them slipped on the loose terrain and fell from the high cliff to the creek below. One male, Daniel LOVEGROVE (age: 21) of Peachland died at the scene. The second male, age:20 of Kelowna is believed to have been swept down with the current and is still missing. Despite an excellent effort by Vernon Search and Rescue in extremely hazardous terrain, results in finding the second man have still been negative.
On May 21st, 2011 A Vernon man went missing and is presumed drowned in almost the exact same spot. His body has never been recovered either.
The public should realize that these investigations are never closed as long as the person remains missing. If you have any information whatsoever to provide, please call the Lumby RCMP.
2011/17203 - A sharp eyed witness spotted some suspicious behavior behind Super ‘A’ Foods during the early morning hours of August 18th. She called 9-1-1 which resulted in the apprehension of two adult males. The males were in possession of two stolen vehicles, one from Vernon and one here from Lumby. It appears they parked the first one, walked away and returned within minutes having stolen the second one from an address on Catt Ave. In addition, they were Court ordered not to be together. Joshua ADRIAN and Adrian BISAILLON were arrested and held in custody. They were both charged with Breach of Conditions. The investigation continues and further criminal charges are anticipated.
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Grow-op Bust on Mabel Lake Road
July 26, 2011
Early Tuesday, North Okanagan Detachment members from the Lumby office executed search warrants for theft of telecommunications and Controlled Drug and Substance Act at a rural property off of Mabel Lake Road in Lumby.
Two people, a 51 year old man and a 48 year old woman, were arrested shortly after officers arrived at the property. A search of the property was conducted and 1,541 marihuana plants were located and seized from a large out-building that was set up for the production of marijuana.
Officers advise that the male is expected to face charges of theft of hydro, possession for the purposes of trafficking, and production of marijuana charges at a later date.
The Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP continue in their enforcement initiatives to investigate and dismantle grow operations in the region and ask anyone with any information about grow operations in the North Okanagan region to contact them.
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Lumby and Area RCMP Report
Submitted by the RCMP
The Canada Day long weekend was comparatively quiet for police here in Lumby. I suspect a lot of folks were at Funtastic or away enjoying the great weather. Over the past week, we have attended 26 complaints and/or calls for service.
We seized a bicycle that was abandoned at the Lumby Shell station - 2087 Vernon St. The bike, a blue Shimano, full suspension, 21 speed, mountain bike had been there for at least 4 days. If it’s yours, come and claim it at the RCMP Detachment. After 90 days we return found property to the finder.
On July 1st at 7:30 AM we responded to a theft auto complaint from 1835 Creighton Valley Rd. The vehicle, a 1990 Nissan Sentra had been stolen overnight and was located within minutes (of receiving the report) roadside on Hwy 6 near Coldstream Ranch by another officer. It had been heavily damaged and abandoned. The circumstances are somewhat suspicious. Anyone with information with respect to this theft and vandalism are asked to call the Lumby RCMP.
At the request of an absentee landlord residing in Alberta, police entered a vacant residence in the 100 block of Hammond Rd in Cherryville and discovered the remnants of a large marijuana grow operation. No plants were located but all the associated grow equipment was still on site. This particular residence was well known to police. At any given time, this Detachment has multiple marijuana grow investigations on the go. We encourage whatever tips or information the public can provide to initiate or further an investigation. If you have information don’t hesitate to give us a call. The information you provide may be the last piece of the puzzle that enables us to obtain a search warrant, seize the drugs and make arrests.
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Lumby Jail: Formal complaint made against MLA and Council
June 9, 2011
On June 9th, Area D resident Alan Goettemoeller asked RCMP to open an investigation on the Lumby jail proposal. Corporal Henry Proce confirms he has met with Goettemoeller and opened a file. The RCMP say it will be handled like any other complaint.
Goettemoeller says all the information he submitted is to help resolve the substantial conflict fueled by the appearance of a biased council with a pre-determined agenda in the financial interest of some local residents. He stated in a media release that he wants police to collect information on the actions of MLA Eric Foster with regard to his alleged relationship with local residents, who he says helped get Foster elected as Mayor and then MLA. Goettemoeller has complained that Foster suggested council look into a prison and that he may be biased.
Goettemoeller highlights a number of issues within his complaint where he states that Lumby Council allegedly performed in-camera secret meetings and that Council Minutes excludes information. He also suggests that the straw ballot that was taken after the public meeting in June 2010 regarding the prison may have been mishandled and that there is the appearance of bias and corruption by Lumby Council in the process to put a prison in Lumby.
All information provided by Goettemoeller was submitted without prejudice and he states that now that the file has been opened, anyone who wishes to contribute their information to the file can place their concerns in the hands of the RCMP who will then determine if there is any wrong-doing.
Corporal Henry Proce says this is the first complaint.
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