Members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) worked together recently to investigate incidents that were reported as hit-and-run collisions.
Police looked at a number of reported incidents during the Jan. 19 day shift, and half of them are now not believed to be hit-and-runs. Police have re-classified one as a mischief and will be conducting interviews to try and determine who caused the damage.
The other two will be re-classified as single-vehicle collisions, and investigated further.
As part of the work with SGI, a man was interviewed for a hit-and-run claim during the Jan. 20 night shift. With the evidence the police and SGI obtained, police determined it was a false claim. The matter has been referred to SGI.
The EPS and SGI will hold another hit-and-run clinic in February. Police want to remind the public that making a false claim can result in criminal charges and their claim being denied by SGI.
In other recent calls, police were notified of a gas smell at a business on the north end of the city during the Jan. 18 day shift. The Estevan Fire Rescue Service responded and SaskEnergy was called to look into it. It is believed to have been a sewer gas issue due to vents freezing over.
Police then responded to a collision at the corner of Souris Avenue South and Sixth Street. A 22-year-old female from Alaska was charged under the Traffic Safety Act for failing to yield the right of way. No serious injuries were reported.
Members interviewed two people during the Jan. 19 day shift for a theft of copper wire that occurred at an east Estevan business on Dec. 30, 2015. One man was charged for theft under $5,000 on Jan. 19, and the following night, police went to a residence to arrest a 31-year-old man. He was not co-operating at first and refused to leave. Police remained at the scene and sent additional units to the location to set up a perimeter while an arrest warrant was sought. The accused then called police and after some negotiations, agreed to exit the residence and surrender. He was lodged in cells and appeared in court on Jan. 21. He also has several outstanding charges currently before the courts.
Also during the Jan. 19 day shift, police had a few separate reports of suspicious activity around vehicles in the city. Nothing appears to be missing from any of the vehicles. The EPS lauds the public for reporting the activity, and reminds everyone to continue to remember to lock their vehicles.
During the Jan. 19 night shift, police responded to complaints of someone allegedly smoking marijuana in a residence. Two separate calls were received and members did detect the smell of marijuana. The occupant was spoken to about the complaint. Information was forwarded to social services.
Police also responded to a burglary alarm at a local business. Employees had accidentally set off the alarm.
Members responded to a two-vehicle collision on Fourth Street near Tim Hortons during the Jan. 20 day shift. Emergency medical services crews also attended and treated the vehicle occupants who suffered minor injuries. The matter is under investigation.
Police responded to a call from the Report Impaired Drivers (RID) line about the driving actions of a motorist. The vehicle was located and the driver was found to be sober, but the vehicle he was operating was unregistered. It was subsequently towed from the scene and the elderly driver was given a ride home.
Officers arrested a 17-year-old female regarding a credit card scam perpetrated at a local business during the Jan. 21 day shift. Staff noted the suspicious behavior and called police. She was charged with fraud under $5,000 and obstruction of a police investigation. The name of the offender cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Police continued an investigation into a reported theft of a credit card, as well as the misuse of that card during the Jan. 21 night shift. Several video surveillance systems were viewed and video has been obtained that will assist with the overall investigation. No charges have been laid at this point. The investigation continues with further interviews to take place before an arrest is made.
Members assisted mental health with locating a man during the Jan. 22 day shift, as he had not been attending to take his monthly medication.
Officers arrested a 16-year-old Estevan female on warrants for failing to appear in court. She will appear in late February to answer to all her charges.
Members investigated a criminal harassment complaint from staff at the Estevan Comprehensive School involving two students. Both were spoken to and warned about their actions.
Officers responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Spruce Drive and King Street. One driver was issued a summary offence ticket under the Traffic Safety Act.
Police arrested a 14-year-old Estevan male and released him on conditions to appear in front of a justice of the peace, after an investigation for theft under $5,000. He will appear in court in March to answer to the charge.
Officers are looking into a possible breach of conditions after a call to the hospital. A male attended to meet a female he was not allowed to have contact with.
Members were very active on the roads, stopping a large number of vehicles and issuing several tickets for various infractions.
Police spoke to several drivers about erratic driving during the Jan. 22 night shift. Drivers are reminded to drive with caution, and be mindful of road conditions, when travelling within the city.
Officers also responded to an RID complaint of a driver on Fourth Street. Police located the vehicle and spoke to the driver, who turned out to be sober but was warned about his erratic driving actions.
Police checked numerous vehicles during random stops for impaired drivers and all the drivers checked were sober.
Officers were called to a local establishment on a report from staff that there may be underage individuals at the business. Police checked numerous patrons and found a 17-year-old Estevan female in the outlet. She was escorted outside and charged with being in a licensed premise. She was also found to have another individual’s identification in her possession.
Members assisted the Estevan RCMP in executing a warrant for a man who had an outstanding charge under the Alcohol Gaming Regulations Act. He was released with another court date to answer to the charge, and an additional charge of failing to appear in court.
