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Minor injuries result from several vehicle collisions

Ponoka RCMP briefs - collisions and thefts keep police hopping
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A collision between a vehicle and a school bus around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the intersection of Highway 2A and 57 Avenue tied up traffic and forcing a detour for about 90 minutes. RCMP and the Ponoka Fire Department attended with as both drivers were shook up a bit by the incident

While the severely cold temperatures seemingly put a chill on the recent rash of thefts, police were kept hopping with motor vehicle collisions the past week.

A pair of collisions in Ponoka occurred on Dec. 14, the first at around 3:00 p.m. involving a school bus and an SUV at the intersection of Highway 2A and 57th Avenue.

The SUV had stopped at the stop sign before proceeding westbound across the highway, but was then struck by the Wolf Creek Public Schools bus as it attempted a left turn from 57th Avenue to go north on the highway. There were no children on the bus at the time of the accident.

Ponoka RCMP members as well as ambulance and the Ponoka Fire Department attended the scene with the SUV sustaining significant damage to the driver’s door. The vehicle’s side impact airbags did deploy and the driver was treated on scene for minor injuries and released.

The driver of the bus was shaken up, checked by medical personnel and then released. It wasn’t known if any charges were laid.

The other collision, at the intersection of Highway 53 and 67th Street, involved a pair of vehicles that both sustained minor damage. RCMP and Ponoka Fire attended that scene as well, but no injuries were reported and the scene was cleared within 30 minutes.

One other collision of note occurred on Dec. 17 with members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) responding to a report of a single vehicle rollover on Highway 2 near the Blindman River Hill.

Upon arrival, members found a Ford F150 pickup truck overturned in the ditch. Further investigation found the driver had lost control after an attempt to downshift the vehicle into a lower gear while heading down the hill. That resulted in a loss of traction and then fishtailing into the guardrail before hitting the ditch and landing on its roof.

Ambulance also attended the scene and transported one individual to hospital with what was determined to be minor injuries.

Thefts

Ponoka RCMP are presently investigating a pair of thefts that occurred last week and they are hoping the public can help locate those responsible.

The first was on Dec. 11, members attended a rural residence along Highway 815 south of Ponoka after a report of a break and enter. The complaint involved a house that is currently under construction, which was broken into and a number of various items were stolen.

The other one occurred around 9 a.m. on Dec. 13, with RCMP receiving a report of a pickup truck being stolen off the lot of Adams Chevrolet Buick. The complainant had gone out to start the vehicle, and upon his return a short time later, the vehicle was gone.

RCMP were able to track the pickup truck via OnStar, an on-board GPS and communication system available on various GMC models, but were not able to catch up to the vehicle as it headed towards Bashaw.

The stolen vehicle was eventually disabled by the OnStar near Bashaw, but officers were not able to track the thief as the suspect fled on foot.

Both incidents are still being investigated and anyone with information about these, or any other crimes, are encouraged to contact the Ponoka RCMP at (403) 783-4472. Should you wish to remain anonymous, tips can be provided to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipsubmit.com. If your tip leads to an arrest or conviction, you may qualify for a reward of up to $2,000.