A variety of calls and incidents kept Members of Carlyle's Finest busy from April 15 -21. There were false alarms at a home and business, where alarm systems were activated inadvertently. There was a report of shoplifting from the liquor store in Carlyle, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old male, and a number of assault complaints involving domestic violence.
An interesting case began with the stopping of a vehicle near Arcola on April 16. Initially pulled over for tailgating the car in front, it became quickly apparent that this was to be no routine stop. The driver had a previous prohibition on carrying weapons, but members of the detachment found a veritable arsenal, leading to seizure of the vehicle. There was a large sword-like blade, a taser, a switchblade and three brass knuckles.
In addition to these weapons, members also found 80 ecstasy pills, one gram of cocaine, one gram of crack cocaine, a year's supply of steroids, and a significant amount of cash rolled up in smaller bundles. Multiple charges were laid including possession for trafficking, two counts of possession of cocaine, six counts of possessing weapons for dangerous purposes, six counts of possessing weapons contrary to an order, and failing to leave sufficient distance from the vehicle in front. The case continues to be before courts.
Various calls and complaints came in as a result of intoxication. Police responded to one complaint where an intoxicated person had challenged another individual to a fight. Upon arriving at the scene members found that the intoxicated person had already left the area. In another case a rowdy and intoxicated person was removed from their family home, taken to another family member, and later brought to the detachment to spend the night while sobering up.
On one occasion police received a 911 call and only heard breathing. Members were sent to investigate and found an individual experiencing chest and arm pains following a fall. The injured person was taken to Arcola hospital with a broken arm.
Police also received a call from Onstar advising that a vehicle had been stolen. Onstar remotely switched off the engine and located the vehicle in Arcola. Members found the vehicle as directed by the GM service, but did not find any suspects. Investigations were carried out in the area where the vehicle was found, but failed to uncover any leads. Unfortunately there was also too much dust on the vehicle to allow for finger print analysis.
Wildlife continued to present challenges. There was a collision with a deer four miles west of Manor, with no injuries to persons in the vehicle. A complaint also came in regarding an injured young moose wandering on Hwy-8 near Redvers. Saskatchewan Environment and Resources Management was contacted to handle the latter situation, and a report was filled out for insurance purposes in the deer collision.
Several light-hearted events were reported to "The Observer" by the detachment. In one case a call was received regarding a loose pig in Arcola. The owner later found the wayward hog. Another call caused some smiles at the detachment. A woman phoned and simply said "Send Police" and then hung up. Members called back almost immediately, only to be told they were "too late!"
The R.C.M.P. also acted as advisors during this reporting period, a role that continues to escalate according to senior members of the detachment. In one call an individual said that they and their partner were arguing all the time and they simply wondered what they could do about it. There was nothing criminal in this event, with police fulfilling a social service by providing both perspective to the event and advice as to possible solutions.
From this snapshot of the activities of our local police force, we are given an interesting window into the world of law enforcement. While it is easy for the public to gain the impression that police only go after criminals, there is clearly much more involved in the daily activities of those men and women who serve and protect.
