On July 14, Comox Valley RCMP received a 9-1-1 call reporting that several gunshots were heard coming from a residence on Fitzgerald Avenue, in Courtenay. Police went to the area immediately, blocked off the road and surrounded the residence. The people inside came out and were co-operative with the following investigation which ensured nobody was hurt.
“We learned that someone had been playing loud music and gunshots rang out in one of the songs,” said Const. Monika Terragni, media relations officer, Comox Valley RCMP. “While we had the area blocked off, several people tried to pass by pylons and police vehicles designed to keep residents out of danger. One woman even stood at the side of the road yelling at police as people were exiting the residence. It is very important that while these situations are unfolding to respect the blocked-off areas and allow us to do our job – do not try to interfere or pass through an area that could be dangerous.”
Off duty goat wrangling
An off-duty Oceanside RCMP stepped in when she saw a goat on the loose in Courtenay on July 13. The goat was on a walkabout along 29 Street when the call to police came in but before the Comox Valley members arrived, the off-duty member took care of business and put the goat on a leash. The owner of the goat was happy that police were able to catch the escapee.
Bad parking job leads to drug seizure
On July 7, Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a vehicle parked sideways, taking up three parking spots, with two women inside who appeared to be passed out. Frontline members went to the parking lot at a business on the 2400-block of Cliffe Ave., in Courtenay and located the vehicle with the two sleepy women inside. It did not take long for one of the officers to notice drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle which initiated a more in-depth investigation, ultimately leading to the seizure of a significant amount of what is believed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl. The 40-year old woman who was arrested is known to police and has an upcoming court date.
Lock your vehicles
The Comox Valley RCMP reminds residents to lock and secure their vehicles while they are left unattended following a spike in thefts.
In June 2021, the city of Courtenay experienced its highest number of theft from vehicle reports relative to June 2020 or June 2019.
This is a preventable crime of opportunity and it costs countless hours of investigation after someone has their credit/debit cards, identification, and valuable property stolen. These hours can be directed to other community priorities once we get our numbers down.
It only takes seconds for a thief to get into a car and swipe your things. In order to prevent break-ins or theft of a vehicle, the owner/driver should:
• Guard their keys at all times
• Park in secure, well-lit areas
• Remove valuables from the vehicle
• Always make sure to lock the vehicle
• Do not keep a spare set of keys inside your vehicle