Impaired driving was a factor in the motor vehicle incident (MVI) that knocked out power throughout the 108 Mile Ranch and Lac La Hache on Friday, Aug. 23.
Sgt. Brian Lamb said RCMP received reports of the single-vehicle collision on Highway 97 near Exeter Truck Route and responded with members of 100 Mile Fire Rescue and emergency health services. On arrival they found a BC Hydro pole down across the highway, leading to traffic being diverted down Exeter Truck Route.
"The vehicle had struck a utility pole which caused the pole and wires to come down onto the highway," Lamb said. "The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was already out of the vehicle upon arrival and not injured. Police spoke with the driver and evidence of alcohol consumption was detected."
Lamb said a breath test was conducted using an approved screening device resulting in a warn result. As a result, officers issued the driver an immediate roadside prohibition from driving for seven days and impounded their vehicle for 30 days.
Dave Bissat, chief of 100 Mile Fire Rescue, confirmed Lamb's account noting his crews, with the assistance of a passerby, successfully rescued the driver from their vehicle. He noted his crew began redirecting traffic around the scene for public safety while B.C. Hydro worked to de-energize the lines.
After the lines were de-energized Highway 97 was reopened to single-lane alternating traffic while B.C. Hydro restored the pole and power to the 108.
B&E and Theft
The MVI was one of 114 calls of service RCMP responded to last week which included a break-and-enter on Aug. 21 at a location in the 500 Block of Horse Lake Road. Lamb said sometime overnight a secure location was entered and lumber and dirt were taken.
Later that week on Sunday, Aug. 25 RCMP received a report of a vehicle taken from a residence in the 4000 block of Bakken Road. Sometime the night before the report, a black 1995 995 Honda Civic with BC license plate NW0-18A was taken from the property.
The Honda Civic is missing its driver-side window, which has been covered in plastic. The vehicle has not been recovered.
Stolen camping supplies
Also on Sunday, officers received a report of camping equipment being taken from the Lower Lake Recreation site on Archie Meadow Road. Sometime between between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. someone took a green one-person tent, a sleeping bag, sleeping mats, bear spray, clothes and an inflatable kayak.
Anyone with information on any of the above incidents is asked to contact RCMP at 250-395-2456 or anonymously 24 hours a day at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
