Whistler RCMP is investigating after 52-year-old Karl Baker of Nanaimo died while snowmobiling near Callaghan Lake Provincial Park on Saturday, Feb. 10.
The call came in at about 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, and Whistler Search and Rescue (WSAR) were dispatched to the scene with a doctor via helicopter, the RCMP said in a release.
"Upon attendance, it was determined that the snowmobiler had stopped on a cornice, which subsequently collapsed," the release said. "The male, 52 years old from Nanaimo, fell approximately 250 feet (76 metres) onto the slope and was partially buried. Other snowmobilers in the area came to the male's assistance, dug him out and began CPR. Despite the best efforts of everyone the male was pronounced deceased at scene."
A cause of death has not been determined. RCMP officers are working with the BC Coroners Service on the investigation.
Whistler RCMP and WSAR want to remind people who are recreating in the backcountry to use caution — particularly around cornices. Avalanche Canada had advertised that the hazard in the alpine was deemed to be "moderate" at the time, but had recommended people give cornices an extra wide berth.
Traffic stop leads to skimming arrests
A Pemberton traffic stop Feb. 6 resulted in three arrests.
Around 2 p.m., Pemberton RCMP stopped a speeding vehicle, which they determined was uninsured. The driver, a 36-year-old from Surrey, was wanted on two outstanding warrants out of Kamloops. He was arrested and after police searched the car further, they found items used for creating false identification and items police believe to be related to credit-card skimmers and creating fake credit cards.
After further investigation, Pemberton RCMP determined there were others connected to the driver and worked with Whistler RCMP to arrest two people in the 4400 block of Sundial Place.
According to an RCMP release, police arrested a 31-year-old "prolific offender" from Abbotsford who was wanted on three warrants totalling 19 charges from three separate Lower Mainland jurisdictions. The second person arrested was an 18-year-old Abbotsford woman who had been reported missing. She was released without charge and returned home.
Police are continuing to investigate and expect to lay additional charges.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044 or Pemberton RCMP at 604-894-6634. Anyone wishing to make a report while remaining anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.solvecrime.ca.
-Dan Falloon
Squamish man arrested in connection with armed robbery
A 40-year-old Squamish man is facing multiple charges after he was arrested last week in connection with an armed robbery at a downtown business. On Feb. 9, police received the first in a series of calls about a man who had reportedly entered the business with a weapon demanding money from several employees. A staff member from a restaurant nearby also called police to report a man had entered the premises with a weapon, demanding money.
Officers attended both businesses and were able to get a detailed description of the suspect from eyewitnesses, police said. A short time later, investigators tracked down the suspect and arrested him without incident.
He is now facing a litany of charges: one count of robbery with a weapon; one count of attempted robbery with a weapon; two counts of uttering threats to cause bodily harm; two counts of disguise with intent; one count of possession of a weapon with a dangerous purpose, and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
The man remains in custody awaiting a court date for later this month. As is standard police procedure, the RCMP will not release the suspect's name until after his first appearance in court. Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100 or Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
-Brandon Barrett
