POLICE – Puppy shot at least 12 times with pellet gun

VICTORIA — West Shore RCMP are investigating after receiving a report of a 10-month old puppy shot by a pellet gun in the Highlands.

Police were contacted after dog’s owners found him injured. The Lab “Ozzy” was taken to a vet clinic and was confirmed to have been shot at least 12 times.

“This attack not only left the puppy injured, but shook a whole community for this senseless act,” said Cst. John Varley of West Shore RCMP.

“Luckily, Ozzy is doing well now.”

Unprovoked attack on jogger

PRINCE GEORGE — RCMP are warning the public after an unprovoked attack on a female jogger this week.

A lone adult female was running along Foothills Boulevard near Ochakwin Crescent in late evening when she was attacked from behind.

The male attacker knocked the victim to the ground, struck her a number of times and attempted to sexually assault her. A passing vehicle slowed down and honked, causing the attacker to flee on foot.

The driver of the vehicle did not stop. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries, but was able to get to safety. The attacker may have marks or injuries.

The Prince George RCMP offered some safety tips:

• Headphones – Please avoid using headphones or anything that can restrict your hearing;
• Do not be Predictable – change routes & times frequently;
• Lighting – Stay in well-lit areas and near businesses that can offer safety in the event of an incident;
• Safety in Numbers – Whenever possible, NEVER travel alone. Running partners or groups offer increased safety.

Cooler weather contributes to drop in crime numbers

KAMLOOPS — In the first quarter of 2017, which encompasses the months of January – March, 2017, Kamloops RCMP responded to 9,351 calls for service, down by 8 % compared to the same time last year.

Specifically, there has been a 11 % decrease in Crimes Against the Person and a 19 % decrease in Crimes Against Property.  Factors contributing to these decreases include the Kamloops RCMP proactively planning with: regular statistical analysis of crime trends and crime areas; having the Street Team in place with regular foot patrols; and crime reduction initiatives by the Crime Reduction Unit and Target Enforcement Team.

As well, a late spring and cooler weather meant fewer people with criminal tendencies were out on the streets compared to last year.

“Community safety and crime reduction are the top priority for Kamloops RCMP,” said Supt. Brad Mueller, Officer In Charge of Kamloops RCMP.  “We have been actively working with City staff and other partner agencies to elevate our local enforcement and crime prevention efforts.  These initiatives have paid off with a decrease in calls for service this quarter.”

While there was a decrease in overall calls for service, recently there has been an increase in theft from motor vehicles.  Supt. Mueller reminded motorists that this is a crime of opportunity.  Protect yourself from being a victim by locking your vehicle and take all valuables with you.

Fuel truck roll-over on Mabel Lake Rd

ENDERBY — RCMP, along with partner agencies continue to investigate a fuel truck roll-over crash which occurred on Mabel Lake Rd on Tuesday, May 16t

At about 9:35 a.m., Vernon North Okanagan RCMP in Enderby responded to a complaint of a single-vehicle accident on Mable Lake Road in Enderby. The collision involved a five- ton tanker truck loaded with both diesel and gasoline, which rolled over off the roadway. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by ambulance.

To date the investigation indicates that the tank trailer became separated from the vehicle and was breached as a result of the roll over; fuel was leaking from the fuel tank when police arrived on scene.

Enderby Fire Department attended as well as the Commercial Vehicle Department. Crews arrived on scene a short time later to begin clean-up of the area. Other partner agencies such as Environment and Climate Change Canada and Interior Health were advised due to the spill being close to the Enderby River.

The road was closed for a short time, and then reopened for alternating traffic.