Pointless pranks plague police
By Castlegar Source
Vandalism and youth/alcohol calls have taken up an inordinate amount of police time this past week, according to Castlegar RCMP Cpl. Deb Postnikoff. She said police responded to 102 complaints between Oct. 26 and Nov. 1., including a complaint in which 10 cars were damaged out at the airport on Oct. 26 and someone smashed the sunroof of a vehicle on Ninth Avenue on Oct. 27.
“On the evening of Oct.28, Castlegar RCMP responded to five calls for service in and around the Third Street/Columbia Avenue area of downtown concerning youth and liquor-related offences,” Postnikoff said. “Police were kept busy conducting patrols at the teen dance that was hosted by the Element bar. One 16-year-old Castlegar male found himself being issued a violation ticket for being intoxicated in public and for urinating on buildings. Alcoholic beverages were seized and several youth were escorted to their residences by police, without charges.”
Two nights later, on Oct. 30 at 11:55 p.m. (Gate Night), a traffic stop on Columbia Avenue ended in the arrest of four people, “found in possession of a controlled substance”.
“A violation ticket was also issued for open liquor in a motor vehicle,” Postnikoff said. “A 28-year-old Castlegar male, 24-year-old Castlegar male, 21-year-old Nelson male and a 19-year-old Castlegar female are scheduled for their first appearance in court on Dec. 19 in Castlegar.”
The fun continued on Halloween night when, at about 7:43 p.m., “police responded to several complaints of fireworks being set off as well as a fire that had been started on the roadway in the Grandview Heights area. Two Castlegar youth (ages 15 and 16) were located in the area and found in possession of a “mischief kit” containing a bottle of gasoline, fireworks and several eggs. There were no damages noticed by police. Both youth were escorted and placed into the care of their parents. Charges have not been laid in this instance.”
Later that night, and into the wee hours of the morning, vandals made their mark in the 1900 block of Columbia Avenue.
“Eight businesses were spray-painted sometime during Halloween night between the hours of midnight to 4:00 a.m. Silver and yellow paint were used by the suspects spraying the graffiti marks, “TNR-4-LYFE”, “BK”, “TRU NORTH REBELS”, “204″ and “WPG-4-LYFE”on the exterior walls and property of these businesses. Police are actively reviewing the video surveillance in efforts of identifying the suspects.
“Anyone with information that can assist the police in this investigation is asked to contact the Castlegar RCMP or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.”
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