Latest news with #Highway97
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Yahoo
Prince George RCMP investigate whether 2nd weigh scale arson and graffiti targeted at traffic officer
The Prince George RCMP is investigating whether a suspected arson at a highway weigh scale was targeted at one of their own. Police say they gathered evidence to suggest a fire at a Highway 97 North weigh scale Saturday night was intentionally set and found orange spray-paint graffiti located on a shipping container nearby that read, "Good job McCreadie." It was the same orange spray paint and phrase discovered at a suspected arson that occurred on Dec. 24, 2024, at the Highway 97 South weigh scales, just outside the city. Police are investigating whether these arsons are connected to RCMP Const. Keith McCreadie, a traffic enforcement officer who has received multiple awards for his work stopping impaired drivers. "We believe there are links because of some of the graffiti that was left behind at both scenes. It reads, 'Good job McCreadie,' who is one of our traffic services officers," said RCMP media relations officer, Cpl. Jennifer Cooper. "We're kind of looking into what might have motivated someone to commit these acts of arson and how that's related to our traffic services officer." While investigating the 2024 arson at the Highway 97 South scales, the RCMP said they believed it may have been related to several recent impaired driving investigations and that the graffiti and the arson are connected. Const. McCreadie's Alexa awards Const. McCreadie received an Alexa Award that year, which is given to officers who work to remove drivers impaired by either alcohol or drugs from the road either by an immediate roadside prohibition or a Criminal Code investigation. He earned the top award for removing 152 impaired drivers from the roads throughout 2023. "I think our investigative services team is looking into a lot of different areas that this could be related to," said Cooper. "Const. McCreadie did happen to win the Alexa Award this year. He's won it several years in a row. We did talk about that, I think, right around the same time that this arson happened." She says whether or not it's related specifically to any impaired driving investigations is yet to be determined. Cooper said she could not comment as to why the weigh scales in particular were targeted as the investigation is ongoing, but is hopeful the public will be able to provide more information. "What we're really focusing on is anyone that happens to be driving past the northern weigh scales just before the arson happened, maybe around 9:30 or 9:45 at night, or if anyone saw anything," said Cooper. She says investigators are hoping that someone passing by that section of the highway might have dash camera footage that caught people or vehicles approaching or leaving the area in the time before the fire was reported to police. "What we're trying to remind the public of is that it might not have seemed suspicious at the time, but anything that you might have seen could potentially move our investigation forward." Commercial vehicle safety officers also concerned Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers — who are members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU — are also raising serious safety concerns over the two suspected arsons. The union says the Highway 97 North site was closed at the time, and no CVSE officers were present during the incident, but in recent years, CVSE workers across the province have consistently reported their vehicles and worksites being targets of violent acts. "Our union has been raising the alarm about the dangers CVSE officers face on the job, and this weekend's incident is another troubling reminder that the government must act urgently to improve safety and working conditions," said BCGEU president Paul Finch, in a news release. The BCGEU is also asking the RCMP to enhance its investigative efforts and share findings transparently with affected workers. "CVSE officers play a vital role in keeping our roads and transportation systems safe by enforcing commercial traffic laws," Finch added. "They should never be subjected to violence or put in harm's way simply for doing their jobs." Police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to call the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line at 250-561-3321 to speak with an investigator.
CBC
23-07-2025
- CBC
Prince George RCMP investigate whether 2nd weigh scale arson and graffiti targeted at traffic officer
The Prince George RCMP is investigating whether a suspected arson at a highway weigh scale was targeted at one of their own. Police say they gathered evidence to suggest a fire at a Highway 97 North weigh scale Saturday night was intentionally set and found orange spray-paint graffiti located on a shipping container nearby that read, "Good job McCreadie." It was the same orange spray paint and phrase discovered at a suspected arson that occurred on Dec. 24, 2024, at the Highway 97 South weigh scales, just outside the city. Police are investigating whether these arsons are connected to RCMP Const. Keith McCreadie, a traffic enforcement officer who has received multiple awards for his work stopping impaired drivers. "We believe there are links because of some of the graffiti that was left behind at both scenes. It reads, 'Good job McCreadie,' who is one of our traffic services officers," said RCMP media relations officer, Cpl. Jennifer Cooper. "We're kind of looking into what might have motivated someone to commit these acts of arson and how that's related to our traffic services officer." While investigating the 2024 arson at the Highway 97 South scales, the RCMP said they believed it may have been related to several recent impaired driving investigations and that the graffiti and the arson are connected. Const. McCreadie received an Alexa Award that year, which is given to officers who work to remove drivers impaired by either alcohol or drugs from the road either by an immediate roadside prohibition or a Criminal Code investigation. He earned the top award for removing 152 impaired drivers from the roads throughout 2023. "I think our investigative services team is looking into a lot of different areas that this could be related to," said Cooper. "Const. McCreadie did happen to win the Alexa Award this year. He's won it several years in a row. We did talk about that, I think, right around the same time that this arson happened." She says whether or not it's related specifically to any impaired driving investigations is yet to be determined. Cooper said she could not comment as to why the weigh scales in particular were targeted as the investigation is ongoing, but is hopeful the public will be able to provide more information. "What we're really focusing on is anyone that happens to be driving past the northern weigh scales just before the arson happened, maybe around 9:30 or 9:45 at night, or if anyone saw anything," said Cooper. She says investigators are hoping that someone passing by that section of the highway might have dash camera footage that caught people or vehicles approaching or leaving the area in the time before the fire was reported to police. "What we're trying to remind the public of is that it might not have seemed suspicious at the time, but anything that you might have seen could potentially move our investigation forward." Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers — who are members of the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU — are also raising serious safety concerns over the two suspected arsons. The union says the Highway 97 North site was closed at the time, and no CVSE officers were present during the incident, but in recent years, CVSE workers across the province have consistently reported their vehicles and worksites being targets of violent acts. "Our union has been raising the alarm about the dangers CVSE officers face on the job, and this weekend's incident is another troubling reminder that the government must act urgently to improve safety and working conditions," said BCGEU president Paul Finch, in a news release. The BCGEU is also asking the RCMP to enhance its investigative efforts and share findings transparently with affected workers. "CVSE officers play a vital role in keeping our roads and transportation systems safe by enforcing commercial traffic laws," Finch added. "They should never be subjected to violence or put in harm's way simply for doing their jobs."
CTV News
23-06-2025
- CTV News
Speed a factor in fatal pedestrian crash, Kelowna RCMP say
The scene of a fatal crash in Kelowna is pictured on Saturday, June 21. (Courtesy: Madison Reeve/Castanet) A pedestrian was killed in a crash in Kelowna over the weekend, according to police, who say speed was a factor in the two-car collision. The crash happened at the intersection of Highway 97 and Burtch Road around 3:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the Kelowna RCMP. Police say the victim was a 33-year-old woman living in the city. The drivers of the two vehicles were taken to hospital with 'undisclosed injuries,' police said, adding there's no suspected impairment. 'We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the individuals who stopped to render assistance at the scene,' said Sgt. Laura Pollock in a news release Monday. 'If you have been affected by this incident and require support, please contact the detachment. Our Victim Services team is available to provide compassionate and professional assistance during this difficult time.' The detachment also asked anyone with dash camera video to call 250-762-3300.
CTV News
18-06-2025
- CTV News
Investigation underway after fatal hit and run in Oliver, B.C.
An RCMP cruiser is seen in this file photo. A 22-year-old pedestrian has died after being struck by a car in Oliver, B.C. According to the Oliver RCMP, the pedestrian was hit while walking southbound on the side of the road near Cassini Cellars Winery, approximately six kilometers south of Oliver on Highway 97, just before 4:20 p.m. on June 15. Officers and paramedics were called to the incident, but the 22-year-old Surrey man died at the scene, Mounties said. The driver fled the scene, and the incident is currently under investigation.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Home falls off truck, blocks B.C. highway
This photo submitted by Dean Taylor shows a mobile home that fell off a truck on a B.C. highway. A mobile home fell off a truck on a B.C. highway Thursday morning, causing an hours-long traffic slowdown. The unusual incident occurred on Highway 97 southbound near the Kelowna International Airport around 8 a.m., according to DriveBC. The lane closure remained in effect as of 1 p.m. A social media post about the odd obstruction prompted a flurry of comments – ranging from amused to outraged. Multiple references to a popular '80s song were made, quoting the lyric 'our house, in the middle of our street' from the song by British band Madness. A number of people commented on the housing crisis, wryly observing that people may be willing to move into the house 'as-is where is' given a dearth of other options. But the dominant sentiment by far was bewilderment at how something like this could have happened at all. CTV News has contacted Kelowna RCMP for more information and this story will be updated when a response is received.
