Powell River RCMP reported the following for January 19 to 25, 2022.
Total calls for service: 101
Thefts: 5
Impaired driving: 1
Mischief: 2
Break and enter: 1
Assaults: 4
Mental health: 10
January 24; Masters Road/Highway 101, 7500 block
Sometime during the early hours of January 24, several businesses in the area of Masters Road and the 7500 block of Highway 101 fell victim to thefts. A business on Masters Road had an alarm activated around 2:30 am; when an employee attended it was discovered some of the work trucks had been rummaged through, some welding equipment was taken and a strap on a boat cover had been cut. During the same timeframe, two businesses in the 7500 block of Highway 101 were targeted by an unknown suspect(s). From one of the businesses a UTV was stolen and is described as a blue 2020 Polaris Ranger. The business next door also had a work van gone through with unknown items missing. It is believed the UTV was driven off the lot and then headed southbound on the highway. Police are asking anyone in that area with CCTV to check their footage for the UTV.
January 24; Highway 101, south
At approximately 8:15 am, police responded to a report of a single-vehicle motor vehicle incident on Hwy 101 at the Lang Creek bridge. Upon attendance it was noted a pickup truck was in the creek upside down. It was determined that the 2013 Ford F150 was northbound on Highway 101 when it lost control on the corner approach to the bridge. The driver overcorrected, sending the vehicle through the guard rail and coming to rest upside down in the creek. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful and the 71-year-old male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Integrated Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Services from Vancouver Island attended to assist in the investigation. The investigation by both the police and BC Coroners Service is continuing to determine what caused the incident. The highway was closed for several hours while the incident was investigated.
January 24; Springbrook Road, 8400 block
After a months-long investigation involving Powell River RCMP, the BC Integrated Child Exploitation Unit and authorities from the USA, a search warrant was executed at a residence. As a result of the search warrant, a 55-year-old male occupant was arrested and has now been charged with possession of child pornography. He appeared before a justice and has been held in custody pending his first appearance in Powell River Provincial Court on February 7.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
