County of Wetaskiwin council heard about outstanding warrants, a drunk driver, a commercial vehicle violating road bans and much more during the monthly Protective Services report June 8 at the regular council meeting.
The report was submitted by Assistant CAO Jeff Chipley, and included several reports from staff, including the Community Peace Officer Occurrence Report for April and May 2018, the Community Peace Officer Patrol Report for April and May 2018, the Animal Control Report January-May 2018 and the Bylaw Enforcement Report January-May 2018.
Councilor Josh Bishop asked about whether a ticket was written in a certain incident; Chipley responded that some incidents can result in multiple tickets, but he noted that the county tries to keep a rate of 40 to 60 per cent warnings rather than tickets. Chipley said situations like no insurance or overloaded always result in tickets.
Chipley gave an overview of some of the more noteworthy incidents and encounters the community peace officers and bylaw officer dealt with.
“CPO patrolling in Winfield and stopped vehicle for passenger not wearing a seat belt. During the stop, the passenger lied about their name,” stated Chipley’s report. “CPO was informed that they had criminal code warrants. The passenger was arrested and transported to detachment cells.
“CPO conducting patrols in Division 3 and observed a commercial vehicle contravene three separate road bans going into and leaving the location. The vehicle had delivered part of its load and was still found hauling at nearly 100 per cent. CPO found this company delivers on this same route on a weekly basis at these weights, greatly contributing to road deterioration.
“CPO patrolling Winfield and observed a vehicle with expired plate from 2015. CPO conducted a traffic stop and determined the vehicle was uninsured, unregistered and the driver was suspended provincially. The driver had an outstanding warrant. CPO subsequently arrested the male driver, read his Charter Rights, and transported the male to the Breton RCMP detachment to start serving his 35 day sentence.
“CPO patrolling Winfield and observed a male driving his tractor in the ditch pushing debris. CPO noted that the tires were spinning and leaving large ruts in the ditch and removing trees. RCMP was called to assist as the male became violent with CPO. RCMP told the male to stop damaging the ditches as they are not his property.
“CPO was patrolling Division 5 and observed a vehicle traveling on Highway #771 with no lights activated that was crossing the centre line. CPO conducted a traffic stop and found the driver to be intoxicated. The RCMP arrived and arrested the driver for impaired operation. CPO facilitated the seizure of the vehicle and drove the passenger back to Buck Lake.
“CPO located a convoy of commercial vehicles on a local road during 75 per cent seasonal road bans. Three of the vehicles were stopped with one of the vehicles found in excess of the 75 per cent allowable weights. The other two vehicles were also found non-compliant under federal legislation regarding required documents.
“CPO received request to assist with a large fire and the closure of the Highway at Highway 616 and Range Road 245 in Millet. CPO attended the location of the fire and closed down Highway 616 at Range Road 250.
“A ratepayer, angry about the road damage in front of his residence, took it upon himself to stop tank trucks from traveling to a lease. CPO spoke to the ratepayer and the consequences of blocking a county road. CPO advised the ratepayer to call the county rather than taking the law into his own hands. The matter was forwarded to the administration. No charges were laid.
“CPO traveling on Highway #13 East of Falun noticed a vehicle at extreme rate of speed. CPO obtained a radar reading of 180 km/hr on Highway #13 near Range Road 280. Driver provided multiple false names before admitting to being a suspended driver and having warrants. Driver was also found to be impaired by liquor. RCMP were contacted but unable to attend. Driver charged for speeding over 50 km/hr and for driving while unauthorized. Vehicle was seized for 30 days and the driver was given a mandatory court appearance.”
Councilors accepted the reports for information.
Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca