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County of Wetaskiwin officers deal with large road ban violations

County CPO notices erratic driver in Wetaskiwin
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County of Wetaskiwin council heard detailed reports of what their community peace officers and by-law officers handled for the months of June and July, 2018, during the regular meeting of council Aug. 7.

Assistant CAO Jeff Chipley noted in his report to council, “On a monthly basis, Administration provides Council with a reporting of the various developments and occurrences that have occurred within the Protective Services Department of the County of Wetaskiwin, in order keep Council informed and apprised of the details surround enforcement, animal control, and community protection throughout the County of Wetaskiwin.”

Chipley provided councilors with the following reports: Community Peace Officer Occurrence Report for June & July 2018, Community Peace Officer Patrol Report for June & July 2018, Animal Control Report January-July 2018 and Bylaw Enforcement Report January-July 2018.

The Assistant CAO said he gave council detailed reports into several incidents because of their seriousness or noteworthiness.

“A CPO patrolling Division 7 on Range Road 55 and observed a rock truck traveling south towards Township Road 454. CPO conducted a traffic stop as this vehicle is not meant to be traveling on a highway under its own power. CPO contacted the owner and had the vehicle removed from the highway. Three (3) violation tickets were issued for no insurance, no registration, and unauthorized class of licence.

“CPOs in both June and July were requested to attend numerous motor vehicle collisions throughout the County. Unfortunately, collisions on June 5 and July 31, 2018 resulted in fatalities.

“A CPO patrolling Division 5 and observed three (3) commercial vehicles traveling north on Range Road 12. CPO conducted a traffic stop and found that the permit was not valid for Range Road 12. CPO noted damage to the road surface from continual heavy trucks in the area. CPO escorted the three (3) overloaded trucks to the Leduc scale and weighed them on certified scale. CPO noted that all three (3) trucks were overloaded at 6,900kg, 5,000kg, and 4,800kg respectively. CPO laid charges to all three (3) drivers under Section 131(1)(k) of the Traffic Safety Act - commercial vehicle operate over weight on banned highway.

“CPOs met with Thorsby RCMP and conducted a document check at Highway 616 and 50 Avenue in Mulhurst Bay. Multiple vehicles were checked and no violations were issued. However, several verbal warnings were issued. Many residents were happy to see the uniformed presence in the Mulhurst Bay area.

“CPOs issued two (2) twenty-four (24) hour suspensions for operating a motor vehicle under the impairment of marijuana. In one instance, the operator of a vehicle was traveling thirty-seven (37) kilometers over the posted speed limit with their young daughter in the back seat of the vehicle and had outstanding warrants. CPOs attended a Joint Forces Operation (JFO) on the outskirts of Wetaskiwin. This was a large checkstop involving RCMP, Canadian Pacific Railway Police, Sheriffs and City CPOs. There was a drug dog, RCMP helicopter, and Crime Reduction Unit members in attendance as well. The highlights include five (5) suspended drivers being caught and two (2) impaired drivers taken off the road. Of note, one (1) CPO laid seven (7) separate charges to learner drivers not being supervised.

“A CPO observed a commercial vehicle operating in Division 5 on a fifty percent (50 per cent) banned local road. The vehicle was found hauling one-hundred percent (100 per cent) weights without authorization and requested a certified scale over portables. The vehicle was weighed at the Leduc Vehicle Inspection Station on Highway 2. The driver also attempted to obstruct an inspector by completing required documents after being requested by CPO. Furthermore, the same carrier had been investigated less than two (2) weeks prior for large overload offences in the same area.

“CPOs dealt with numerous disturbances in County Parks, particularly Coal Lake Park and Twin Lakes Park, leading to warnings and evictions being given with no charges laid.

“CPO observed an erratic driver in Wetaskiwin, the plate did not match the vehicle. CPO had the vehicle intercepted by RCMP as it was inside City limits. The vehicle was found uninsured, unregistered, expired plate, unauthorized plate, and the driver did not possess a valid license. The passenger was wanted on outstanding warrants and arrested. A large quantity of narcotics was located and the male was also charged with possession with intent to traffic. Several Traffic Safety Act charges also laid and the vehicle was impounded,” stated Chipley’s report.

Chipley said the county CPOs now have some resources to deal with opioids they come across.

“With the growing opioid crisis occurring, the Protective Services Department proactively decided to get training for Naloxone,” stated Chipley.

“Naloxone is a temporary blocker to the effects of opioids such as Heroin or Fentanyl. CPOs took both online and in-class training regarding the appropriate use of Naloxone. The Alberta Government provides free Naloxone kits to anyone who requests them through pharmacists. All four (4) CPOs, as well as the current Bylaw/Animal Control Officer are now trained to administer this drug to a patient suffering an opioid overdose or to themselves, should an officer come into contact with these drugs inadvertently while on duty.”

Councilors accepted the report for information.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca