SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING RCMP
Salt Spring RCMP responded to 886 calls in the third quarter of 2021 (July 1 – Sept. 30) and, as of Oct. 1, 2021, have responded to 2,263 calls for service thus far this year. Various investigations undertaken in this quarter include a child pornography distribution file, 31 assaults, 33 sex-related offences and nine weapons/firearms investigations. There were also multiple COVID-related reports, 36 motor vehicle incidents/collisions (MVIs) and 144 mental health/check well-being reports.
SSI RCMP issued 51 traffic tickets, gave 97 traffic warnings and conducted 340 foot patrols in Centennial Park and other areas; 65 bar walks were also performed and a dozen impaired drivers were taken off the road. Traffic enforcement was conducted all over Salt Spring Island but special attention was made to seatbelt use around Ganges, speed enforcement on Cusheon Lake Road and Long Harbour Road, as well as compliance of school and playground zones.
Some of the calls in the last few months include the following:
July
- SSI RCMP responded to an adult female screaming she was going to kill her parents; members apprehended the female and transported her to Lady Minto Hospital for assessment
- Two impaired drivers were taken off the road within 10 minutes at an impaired check stop
- Police were called by a male who was trespassing on someone’s property; the trespassing male alleged he was assaulted when he was confronted and pushed by the land-owner; the situation was mediated and no charges were laid
- Police received a report of a naked male walking along Fulford-Ganges Road. Assistance was given and the male was directed to put his clothes on
- Police were advised of a local adult male taking pictures of female youths at St Mary Lake; the male was identified and directions given to him to stay away from youths and St. Mary Lake
- A missing male was located in Ruckle Park with the assistance of BC Parks staff; other missing persons were located throughout the quarter by SSI Search & Rescue and SSI RCMP
- A female was apprehended by police at the request of a local agency because of mental instability; the female was transported to Lady Minto Hospital for assessment
- A physical fight between two females resulted in injuries to one female and a charge of assault to the other
- A break & enter occurred at a local business where entry was gained through a window and alcohol consumed inside; inquiries are still underway
August
- Police responded to a report of a domestic dispute where an assault occurred; police attended and separated both parties
- SSI RCMP were requested to conduct a check on the condition of two (2) children after a family law concern; both children were happy and well-cared for when seen by police
- Police responded to a MVI where the driver fled the scene prior to RCMP arrival; a violation ticket was issued for fail to remain at the scene of an accident
- Multiple calls were received one day concerning loose dogs harassing livestock; the dogs were located and returned to the owner but both the livestock owners and the dog owners were advised of the BC Livestock Act
- Police received a report of a glass door of a local business being smashed; the matter is still under investigation
- SSI RCMP are investigating five deliberately set fires in the McPhillips Avenue area; the arsonist(s) are still being sought
- Police responded to a domestic dispute where a male and female were separated for the night for safety purposes
- An adult male was arrested for sexual assault, sexual interference and other charges after an incident at the local skate park; the male is no longer on Salt Spring Island
- Police responded to a report of a male threatening people with a gun in downtown Ganges; the male was taken into custody in a high-risk take-down and the replica firearm seized. Charges will be recommended to Crown
- A female was arrested after refusing to leave a local business after stating she didn’t have to wear a mask on their property as per the Public Health Order; the female was subsequently arrested for obstruction, removed from the premises and issued violation tickets
- After a domestic dispute, police were called to assist with a female who tried to cut her throat with a large knife; the female was taken to Lady Minto Hospital for treatment and further assessment
- A local SSI RCMP officer was assaulted downtown when a female purposely extinguished her lit cigarette on an officer’s arm; the female was arrested for obstruction and assault
- SSI RCMP were called to assist bylaw officers who were told by a person breaking the law that she was a “sovereign citizen” and not subject to Canadian law. Police attended and the female left the park immediately
September
- SSI RCMP were called to an over-turned canoe on St. Mary Lake with people not wearing lifejackets; thankfully, no drowning took place
- A suicidal male who wanted to be shot by SSI RCMP (“suicide by cop”) was apprehended without violence and transported to Lady Minto Hospital for assessment
- Police were advised of a consensual fight between two persons who were arguing over a parking space at a local grocery store; no charges were laid and the situation was mediated
- Police were called for some improperly disposed-of feces at a local property; warnings were issued
- Three individuals requested emergency assistance due to their camping in Musgrave Landing area during a downpour; SSI RCMP requested SSI Search & Rescue to attend and when they did, two of the people refused to leave with responders
- SSI RCMP were advised of a farmstand theft; members attended and after identifying and speaking with the accused, the items were returned and no charges laid
SSI RCMP want to remind all SSI residents and visitors that the unsafe discharging of firearms is illegal; shooting at drones flying overtop of people’s property should not be done. Even if the drone is hit, falling bullets can seriously injure people who are hundreds of metres away.