The Carlyle detachment received 58 calls last week, a sizeable proportion of which were directly related to the weather conditions at the end of April, so let's begin with that event. While conditions brought much of the area to a standstill, some drivers were still determined to take to the roads, and it was a dangerous proposition. Even the ambulance, fire and rescue services were advising that they might not be able to attend incidents due to zero visibility and icy roads. Members of the detachment were mobile, but only just, not only exercising incredible diligence in their driving, but risking their own safety to attend to the needs of others.
There were numerous motor vehicle accidents in the area. On Hwy. 9 a slow velocity, frontal collision took place between two vehicles, with one vehicle ending up in the ditch. Members arrived on the scene and took both drivers back to Carlyle to wait out the storm, there were no serious injuries and no charges. A member of Fire & Rescue services was on their way to this incident when they ran into the back of a truck. Their vehicle was moved off the highway and the truck went on its way.
Members also attended an accident on a small bridge in Carlyle, where conditions had created a large snowdrift. One car was stuck in the drift when another ran into the back of it. When officers attended, one member was nearly hit by a third vehicle appearing out of the gloom of zero visibility. Thankfully there were no injuries. Other incidents were reported by tow truck operators and oil industry safety personnel, many of whom brought their own professionalism to the situations, thereby greatly aiding the police who were certainly stretched by the barrage of calls
With the high winds, downed powerlines also became an issue. Such an incident was reported on the highway just to the west of town. A pole had snapped and wires were dangling over the road. A truck had stopped near the wires and there was concern that voltage would shoot through the vehicle. Members advised the driver to move, and Saskpower was apprised of the situation. In another incident a report was received from a local resident of powerlines down near their home, and another case involved two spruce trees coming down in Arcola, bringing down powerlines and blocking the road.
During the extreme weather, police were still receiving other calls. One complaint came in about threatening text messages, as it turned out, no charges were required. There was also a false alarm when the wind blew an unsecured door open at a business in Carlyle.
Through the rest of the week, moving violations continued to be a factor. There were at least four speeding tickets issued to various individuals, ranging from 19 to 84 years old. Speeds varied between 130 to 146 kilometres per hour, with the highest fine being issued for $210. A ticket was also issued to a 28-year-old male for failing to obey a stop sign, the fine was $230. In addition, two individuals were fined $175 each for failing to wear their seat belts, and in another incident, a driver was charged with stunting. Charges were also laid for driving without due care and attention, following a multi-vehicle accident near Arcola.
There were several break-ins to deal with this week. Three incidents were responded to in Kenosee, all at businesses. Small amounts of cash were taken, and a laptop computer stolen. Police are still investigating the incidents. There was also a break-in at a cabin near Cannington Lake, where the only item stolen was the security system.
Local police dealt with a number of warrants or subpoenas. There was a warrant for a 19-year-old who failed to attend court, and a similar action undertaken in conjunction with Alberta police for another individual who had failed to attend court. A third warrant involved liaison with Regina police, and a subpoena was served to a person to act as a witness in court in Edmonton.
The detachment received a call from a person in Arcola informing them of a number of children who were playing beside a fast-flowing creek. Members attended the situation and advised about 12 young people to stay away from the dangerous waters. A visit to the local school also followed, where the principal indicated that an announcement would be made to the school regarding the danger of fast-flowing run-off.
There were several incidents of "static line" 911 calls last week. This is where nobody says anything and no other sounds are heard. In responding to these cases, members found that residents had not been aware of the calls, and these may have been the result of difficulties with lines after the adverse weather. Another 911 call was the result of a person accidently calling the emergency service while trying to call directory inquiries at 411.
There were several incidents involving drunkenness. In one case a couple of intoxicated individuals were removed from a residence in the area, in another a report was received of an apparently drunken person walking on the side of the highway, at times veering into the path of traffic. Members responded to the latter case, but were unable to trace the individual.
Senior members of the Carlyle Detachment would also like to warn residents that a fraudulent letter has been received by a number of people in our region. The letter comes from Malaysia and may be received in the mail or via email. It claims to come from a banker who says he received $121,000,000. If you receive this letter or email, please do not respond to it.
