Clearwater RCMP dealing with an increase in calls for service including an attempted fraud in Little Fort
Clearwater RCMP responded to a fraud attempt at the fuel station in Little Fort on Wednesday, July 16.
“The complainant is an employee and observed an elderly customer in the parking lot who was approached by a male driver and female passenger who were trying to sell him fake gold in exchange for $200 cash,” said Clearwater RCMP detachment commander Grant Simpson. “The complainant approached the couple who quickly took off south bound toward Barriere in an Alberta plated BMW X5.”
Simpson confirmed no one was defrauded of any money and the motor vehicle checks identified the registered owner to be a 20-year-old male from Edmonton, Alberta.
“The phone number on his driver’s licence was called, however there was no answer and no voice mail option. The phone number’s area code was from PEI,” Simpson said.
Police checks show the registered owner of the BMW to have police files in Ontario and Alberta, with a recent speeding ticket four days prior. The Sgt. says that he has also been identified as a person of interest in a more serious incident occurring in Nova Scotia. “At this time, he had no current conditions, charges or convictions. This information was passed on to the Barriere RCMP to keep a look out for the vehicle and occupant and for their awareness should they attempt to try and set up their scam there,” said Simpson.
Police are reminding the public to be diligent in their awareness of these types of scams, as they are becoming quite common and often (but not always) involve the sale of fake gold or jewellery.
Simpson adds that on July 17 at 7:52 p.m. Kelowna Telecoms advised the Clearwater RCMP of a possible collision on Clearwater Valley Road in the Wells Gray Park.
An iPhone Satellite Emergency Automatic Crash Notification was sent via text that had supposedly occurred within a 10-metre radius. The associated phone number had registered an impact and notified their operation centre. The associated phone rang busy on call back.
“Cpl. Meyer patrolled the area and confirmed there were no vehicle crashes. Cpl. Meyer contacted the iPhone Operation Centre who advised that the registered owner did not respond to any texts from them, so were out of call signal,” Simpson said.
Later around 10 p.m., Cpl. Meyer called the phone number again.
Simpson said the 24-year-old owner of the phone who answered, advised that his phone fell off the roof of his vehicle on the Clearwater River Road and an S.O.S. was sent out, but he did not know how to cancel it.
“The man works seasonally in Clearwater as a rafting guide. This particular collision report was unfounded.”
On July 20 at 11:40 p.m., CN Rail called the Clearwater RCMP to report a suspicious occurrence, possible mischief to the CN tracks, at Clearwater Station Road in Clearwater.
The caller advised that five minutes prior, a train hit a steel barrel and debris.
“There were three vehicles observed parked close to the river, that were suspected to be involved in placing the barrel and debris on the track,” Simpson said. “CN Train crew were currently removing the steel barrel from under the train. A previous train had passed through five minutes earlier with no issues, however this second train hit the barrel and debris. Cpl. Meyer attended within six minutes of being dispatched to the call. The train and any suspect vehicles were all gone upon his arrival.”
Simpson said a CN employee attended and drove their company vehicle up and down the track a mile in each direction. A rubber tire appeared to be freshly struck by the train however the barrel whereabouts was unknown. The CN employee would advise his supervisor as well as CN Police of this incident. Cpl. Meyer patrolled the area and all over Clearwater. Only one truck was observed at a local fuel station at the time. Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact them or Crimestoppers, should they wish to remain anonymous.
No Comment! Be the first one.