Whistler RCMP impounded two cars after receiving a complaint that two drivers were street racing on Blackcomb Way on July 24, getting into an accident near Nancy Greene Drive to avoid a cyclist.
"This is the second incident of novice drivers involved in street racing in the Lower Mainland District in less than 24 hours," said Sgt. Peter Thiessen, senior spokesperson for the Lower Mainland District RCMP. "This incident could have easily resulted in serious injury or death." Police impounded both vehicles for seven days and charged both drivers.
The accident happened when the vehicles, operated by 17-year-old novice drivers, were unable to stop at the stop sign. With a cyclist in the intersection the drivers swerved. One vehicle, a 2009 Mazda 3, was able to stop in time. The other vehicle, a 1995 Ford Explorer, struck a boulder and became high centred.
The driver was able to dislodge the vehicle and both drivers attempted to flee. Several witnesses prevented the suspects from driving away before police arrived.
A Whistler RCMP investigation revealed that the drivers are employed together. Both had departed work, leaving a parking lot a short distance away. One of the vehicles pulled across a double solid line beside the lead vehicle and started to race.
The Mazda was driven by a 17-year-old Whistler resident with a Class 7 New Driver "N". He has one previous conviction for speeding in May 2012 and is charged with Drive without Consideration for others on the Roadway. The fine is $196. The driver is the registered owner.
The Ford Explorer was driven by a 17-year-old Vancouver resident temporarily residing in Whistler with a Class 7 New Driver "N". He is charged with Drive Without Due Care and Attention and faces a $368 fine. The vehicle is registered to the driver's mother.
The cyclist who was in the crosswalk departed before police arrived. Police are hoping to speak to the cyclist and ask that anyone who may have information regarding this incident contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.
RCMP seeking help identifying vehicle
The Whistler RCMP are asking for the public's help in identifying a vehicle that attempted to pass another vehicle over the double yellow line and forced it into the ditch on the side of the Sea to Sky Highway.
The RCMP received a call at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24 regarding a vehicle in the ditch between the north and south entrances to Emerald Estates. The police attended and interviewed the driver, who said he had moved over towards the shoulder as a pickup truck was attempting an illegal pass. They were driving southbound at the time.
When a vehicle appeared in the northbound lane, the vehicle was forced to move over even more to avoid the pickup and ended up in the ditch. There were no injuries reported by police, but RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in locating the suspect. They would also like to talk to the driver of the northbound vehicle.
If you have any information, contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Rash of thefts from vehicles reported
Property crime seems to happen in sprees in Whistler, and last week the trend was towards thefts from vehicles with windows smashed out to obtain items.
The first report was on July 24 at 8:30 a.m. The vehicle was parked overnight at the Riverside RV Park and Campground, and personal luggage and items were taken after the rear window was smashed.
On July 24 the RCMP received another report of a vehicle break-in on the 4300 block of Main Street from an underground parking lot. Sometime between July 20 and 23 a window was broken and items including electronics were taken.
At 3 p.m. that afternoon, the RCMP received a report of a vehicle broken into at the Wedgemount parking area during the day. A wallet, iPhone and climbing equipment were taken.
Another report of a vehicle break-in occurred at Wedgemount on July 25. In that case the rear window was broken and several items stolen.
On the morning of July 26 the RCMP received a call of a van broken into in Lot 2, with several items taken. A little later, at 9:30 a.m. the police received a report of another van being broken into in the same lot. A black and silver Juicy purse was taken from the vehicle.
"We get a lot of people visiting and they're carrying bags and things," said Sergeant Rob Knapton of the Whistler RCMP. "The (standard) advice is to lock your cars and make sure your valuables are out of sight, but my advice is don't leave them (your valuables), take them with you."
As well as vehicle break-ins, the RCMP continued to receive reports of bike thefts. There was one good news story this week however, as two Specialized Big Hit bikes were recovered along the Valley Trail between Blueberry and the Village. The first bike was turned in before the first call from the victim, and an hour later the second bike was also recovered.
Man charged with uttering threats, illegal entry
On July 24 at 8:50 p.m., the RCMP received a call regarding a suspect currently facing drug charges. The 33-year-old Whistler male had forced his way into an individual's home who was present during the drug charge and uttered threats.
The RCMP said the suspect believed the person he uttered threats against was a witness in his drug trafficking trial.
Police are recommending a charge for uttering threats, as well as for entering the residence illegally.
Man sought in vehicle theft
At 9:20 a.m. on July 28, the RCMP received a report regarding a stolen vehicle from Wedgeview Place. The owner left the vehicle there at 4 a.m. that morning, unlocked and with the keys inside, and when he awoke his vehicle was gone.
The vehicle turned up at 11:30 a.m. at the Westin Resort and Spa after the suspect checked it in with the hotel valet. The man was filmed by hotel security cameras. The RCMP are looking to identify the male in the photo. Call 604-932-3044 to assist or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.
