By CHIEF ROB DUTTCHEN, Corman Park Police Service
On the morning of January 23, members of the Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) responded to a report of a vehicle–wildlife collision on Dalmeny Road, south of Dalmeny.
Upon arrival, officers found the vehicle involved had left the scene; however, a severely injured deer was located nearby. The animal was humanely euthanized at the scene by police.
At approximately 8:40 p.m. on January 24, a CPPS officer observed a suspicious vehicle operating in the vicinity of 2nd Street in Langham. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at a high rate of speed toward Saskatoon, reaching a recorded speed of 170 km/h in a 110 km/h zone. CPPS officers adopted a strategic follow posture and notified the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) that a dangerous driver was inbound to the city.
SPS located the vehicle attempting to hide in a motel parking lot, stopped it without incident, and detained the driver. The CPPS officer attended and issued a summons for operating an unregistered vehicle, an offence notice for displaying the wrong licence plate, and a licence suspension. The vehicle was subsequently impounded.
On the evening of January 25, CPPS received a report of a vehicle fire near Beam Road and Highway 684. Upon arrival, officers found the fire had already been extinguished by the Saskatoon Fire Department. The cause of the fire appears non-criminal, and the two occupants were transported to their residence in Saskatoon.
In the early morning hours of January 26, CPPS officers were engaged in traffic enforcement on Highway 219. An officer conducted a traffic stop to verify driver’s licence and proof of insurance. The roadside investigation revealed the driver was unlicensed. An offence notice was issued, and the vehicle was impounded.
CPPS observed a noticeable reduction in vehicle traffic during the recent extreme cold weather event. It appeared that residents within the RM were heeding the advice of Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as Saskatchewan Highways, to avoid unnecessary travel.
Making smart choices during adverse weather conditions goes a long way toward reducing demand on emergency services and helps ensure officers remain available to respond when needed.