The 100 Mile House RCMP and Cariboo Chilcotin Crime Reduction Unit recovered a pistol and a loaded magazine from a car stopped on Highway 97.
100 Mile House RCMP Sgt. Brian Lamb said this Jan. 24 incident was one of 78 the RCMP responded to last week and took place along the 4000 Block of Highway 97. Lamb said officers spoke to the driver, who did not have a valid driver's license, and observed a loaded pistol magazine in the vehicle. Both the driver and another occupant of the vehicle were subsequently removed from the car and arrested.
"Upon search of the driver a knife and brass knuckles were located," Lamb said. "A search of the passenger yielded a handgun that was concealed on his person."
Lamb said officers also located a quantity of what they suspected was cocaine in the vehicle. Both suspects were taken into custody and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Illegally modified BB gun found on rental property
100 Mile House RCMP received a report of a found firearm on a 105 Mile House rental property on Jan. 25.
The owner of the property told RCMP they first believed the firearm was a toy but on inspection came to believe it was a real firearm. On arrival, Lamb said RCMP inspected a modified BB gun that contained .40 calibre ammunition.
Because of the gun's modifications, the BB gun was deemed a prohibited firearm and seized by police.
Impaired driver taken off-road
On Jan. 22, RCMP responded to reports of a possible impaired driver in the 5000 block of Canim Hendrix Lake Road. On arrival, officers located the vehicle in the area.
After stopping the vehicle RCMP talked to the driver and observations of alcohol consumption were made. Officers then conducted a breath test using an approved screening device which returned a result of failure.
As a result, RCMP issued the driver an immediate roadside prohibition from driving for 90 days and impounded their vehicle for 30.
Truck flees check stop
Two days after taking the impaired driver off the road, RCMP were out conducting a check stop along Canim Hendrix Road.
Lamb said that a vehicle travelling east towards the check stop initially approached before quickly backing up and fleeing. Officers attempted to close the distance on the vehicle which was seen turning north on Highway 97 at a high rate of speed.
The truck is described as a grey-coloured late 90s pickup which had a load of firewood in its box on the day of the incident.
RCMP carry out arrest warrant
The Cariboo Chilcotin Crime Reduction Unit and North District Emergency Response Team assisted 100 Mile House RCMP with carrying out an arrest warrant on Jan. 27.
Lamb said the warrant was to enter a home on the 7000 Block of Netherland Road to locate and arrest a man with several outstanding arrest warrants. Upon entry of the home officers located Derek James Swindells and subsequently arrested him. He noted there was a large police presence in the area while this operation was conducted.
"Swindells was wanted in relation to warrants from 100 Mile House and Chilliwack in relation to violent offences and breach of a release order," Lamb explained. "He was held in custody for a court appearance on Jan. 28."
Lamb said following his court appearance Swindells was remanded back into custody by the court.
Anyone with information on these incidents or any others is asked to contact the 100 Mile House RCMP at 250-395-2456 or anonymously 24 hours a day at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
