Rimbey RCMP detachment responded to 56 calls for service this week. Highlights of the week include illegal drugs, drunk drivers, illegal drugs and more drunk drivers.... and other serious matters.
Drug arrests made
Mounties continue to pursue those involved in the illegal drug trade in Rimbey. More arrests were made this week and drugs seized as a result of the investigations. In one case, a 27-year-old local man was charged for possession of cocaine and marihuana. The accused, who is very well known to police, was found to be in possession of a weight scale with cocaine still on it, as well as a large quantity of marihuana. He has been charged accordingly.
Sylvan Lake resident charged
During the May Long Weekend, a 19-year-old female, a resident of Sylvan Lake, was arrested at a check stop located at the junction of Highway 53 and Highway 766. The arresting officer on scene had a flashback to an old Cheech and Chong movie as she drove up to him in the line of vehicles waiting to be checked. When she rolled down the window, green smoke billowed out of the car. The surprised officer was met with a big smile from the young lady. Her smile quickly changed when she found herself under investigation for impaired driving by drugs. An RCMP Drug Recognition Expert was on scene to conduct tests for impairment and she was later released with a criminal charge which she will appear for in Rimbey Court on July 4th. Marihuana in the vehicle was seized at the time of the incident.
Charges laid on May long
Rimbey Detachment members were kept very busy during the long weekend. In total, there were over 120 charges laid. Charges varied from impaired driving, illegal possession of drugs, theft, breaching court orders, no insurance, suspended driving, speeding, open liquor in a vehicle and other offences. Thankfully, there were no serious injury collisions reported despite several drunk drivers being arrested that blew over twice the legal limit.
Ghost car arrest
Last week, police were using an unmarked police vehicle in the detachment area. An officer patrolling out at Open Creek Campground in the ghost car watched a young man at the boat launch drinking a beer. When the weekend warrior saw the officer, he held up his beer and motioned "cheers". The officer waved the man to come over and see him. When he did, he noticed the Mountie inside the police vehicle and realized his error in judgment. As the officer was writing him a ticket for consuming liquor in a public place, the man said, "it should be illegal for police to have cars that don't say POLICE on the side of the them". Then he laughed and said, "well I'm usually good for one dumb deed a day...that about covers it for today!"
Assault charge
Another Rimbey man has been arrested and charged with assault after he allegedly punched his common law spouse in the face. The investigation revealed a history of domestic abuse in the relationship and he has been charged with a previous assault and property damage as well.
Patrolling on the water
Police will be out on the lakes again patrolling the waterways. Please ensure you have a life jacket for everyone on board, a bailing bucket, a whistle or sounding device, paddles and all the required licenses with you in case an officer requests to see them. There are many different fishing regulations in our area pertaining size, hook restrictions and limits of fish you can keep. Please be aware of all the rules before you throw a hook into the water. Plus, never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol cannot be on board unless your boat resembles a Cruise Ship and you are docked for the night.
If you have any information regarding these or any other crimes, please call the local Rimbey RCMP Detachment at (403) 843-2224 or Crime Stoppers: PHONE: 1-800-222-8477.