Whistler RCMP is investigating a fight in the village reportedly involving up to 15 men.
Just after 2 a.m. on Dec. 16, officers patrolling the Village Stroll came upon a fight on the Ted Nebbeling Bridge reportedly involving between 10 and 15 males.
The two officers called for backup and approached the brawl yelling "Police!" multiple times, but the fight continued in spite of the officers' presence. They then "attempted to gain physical control" of three males were on the ground fighting, police said. "Multiple people" reportedly grabbed at the officers as they were trying to break up the fight. An ambulance was called for one of the men who fell unconscious.
Investigators said it appears the brawl broke out when a victim was trying to stop "a heavier, white male with a red shirt and a large neck tattoo" from beating up a man when he was "sucker punched" by a friend of the suspect.
Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact the detachment at 604-932-3044 or Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
RCMP looking for info on man who 'forcibly kissed' woman in village
Whistler RCMP is investigating a report of an unknown man who "forcibly kissed" a woman in the village.
The woman was reportedly walking along Village Gate Boulevard towards Blackcomb Way the night of Dec. 14 when the suspect approached her from behind, trying to start up a conversation, police said. After the woman refused to speak with him, the suspect allegedly grabbed her elbow, pulled her around to face him, and kissed her against her will. The woman pushed the man away and fled the scene. She also told investigators the man smelled of "stale rum" at the time.
In spite of extensive patrols, officers did not track down the suspect, who is described as six feet tall, possibly Caucasian, with dark brown hair, and wearing a black puffy jacket.
Brazilian snowboarders rescued after spending night outdoors
A pair of snowboarders were unharmed this month after venturing out of bounds and spending the night outdoors.
On the afternoon of Dec. 12, a 35-year-old man Brazilian man and his 43-year-old cousin contacted the Whistler RCMP to report they had become lost after skiing beyond the ski area boundary from the Peak Chair.
Communicating with the boarders was challenging, police said, as the men's cell phone kept cutting out and could not accept incoming calls. The men attempted to find their way back to safety, but were unable to do so before dark.
Whistler Search and Rescue was activated the following morning and located the pair on a small gravel spit in the Cheakamus River.
Police gearing up for busy NyE
Whistler RCMP will have zero tolerance for open alcohol this New Year's Eve, but that doesn't mean revellers can't have a good time.
"We're not looking to be the fun police," explained Hayes.
Law enforcement will have "a robust" plan in place for the last day of 2017, with a highly visible police presence and roadchecks throughout the resort and on the highway.
Along with a large foot patrol, there will be undercover plainclothes officers in the village to ensure the crowds ring in the new year safely.
As in years past, police will take a strict approach to open alcohol.
"If you have open alcohol in your possession outside of those licensed venues, our police officers have been instructed to have zero tolerance for that," said Hayes.
The community's past efforts to transform New Year's Eve have paid dividends so far, Hayes added.
"The change to a more family-focused-type event has really allowed police to take a more observational role and watch people enjoying themselves," he explained.
