Among the typical Halloween hijinks were what RCMP are calling "copious" amounts of liquor seized from Penticton youth, a problem police say needs addressing.
Halloween night saw routine complaints for fireworks, party complaints and complaints of intoxicated persons for the RCMP who had plenty of support. RCMP had extra patrols as well as Citizens on Patrol volunteers hitting the streets and many were focused on the early evening when trick-or-treaters were out and about.
Police also focused on areas around schools where teens are known to gather.
"Copious amounts of liquor were seized from youth, ridiculous amounts from 15 year olds," Cpl. Don Wriggleworth said.
Multiple large bottles of hard liquor, as well as backpacks full of beer were seized, some of which had fireworks as well.
"I haven’t personally seized that amount of hard liquor from kids that young before," Wrigglesworth said.
Some reports said that the youth were raiding their parents bar, but more often than not it was obtained from bootlegging.
"They stand outside and get adults to buy it for them outside the cold beer and wine stores around town," Wrigglesworth said. "There’s adults around who think ‘oh it’s OK to buy for these kids.’"
Buying liquor for a minor is not just a fine, it will land the offender a court date.
"That’s something that we’re going to have to target because the amount of things that can go wrong when young kids drink that much is scary," Wrigglesworth said.
Police did not receive any reports of fireworks-related injuries. Multiple youth were arrested for possession of controlled substances and released into their parents care.
A few altercations occurred outside of night clubs and multiple people were sent to hospital.
At least 15 people were lodged in cells at the Penticton RCMP station overnight and most were released the next day.
"It was a Saturday night so lots of people were out. I think we had a good handle on it," Wrigglesworth sai
Men with knife wounds uncooperative
On Nov. 2 around 11:15 p.m. a 37-year-old Penticton man walked into Penticton Regional Hospital with severe injuries to his throat. A few minutes later a 35-year-old male walked into the emergency room with knife wounds to his head and hands.
The 37-year-old man is in serious but stable condition and the 35-year-old man was treated and released.
Police reported that both males are being uncooperative with the RCMP and the matter is still under investigation.
Truck hits transformer
Overnight on Nov. 2 a pick-up truck went off the right side of the road at Skaha Lake Road and Sandhills Road striking a large power transformer. A male and female in the vehicle noticed a nearby caller on the phone with 911, the male threatened the caller. Both male and female reportedly appeared grossly intoxicated and were last seen running on foot jumping a fence.
After further investigation, police found the truck was stolen out of Oliver over the weekend. A police dog attempted to track the suspects through a vineyard in the area but was unsuccessful.
An investigation is currently underway.
Bottle depot break-in
An attempted break and enter occurred at the J & C Bottle Depot on Rosetown Avenue overnight Nov. 1. A window was broken but nothing appeared to be stolen. Police say the alarm likely caused suspects to flee. The incident is still under investigation.
Pump house break-in
The Kaleden Irrigation Pump House was broken into overnight Nov. 1. Suspects cut a fuel line connected to a generator inside a pick-up truck at the location. Suspects siphoned fuel and stole several hand tools.
Man found in dumpster
A man was found in the dumpster by the Salvation Army overnight on Oct. 28 after he was reportedly observed doing drugs. Police found the man to be in possession of methamphetamine and he was taken to cells. The man was released the next morning on a promise to appear in court, he is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine.
Stolen snowmobile
Overnight on Oct. 27 a snowmobile was stolen from a residence near Apex Mountain. The orange/white Arctic Cat M8 and was reported to police.
Quick Stop break-in
The Quick Stop Car Wash was broken into overnight on Oct. 28. Video surveillance showed two males who entered the business and stole cigarettes and candy. The matter is still under investigation by the RCMP.
Homemade fake gun threat
A man threatened another male on Oct. 30 with what appeared to be a firearm at the Granada Inn. Investigation revealed it was a homemade imitation firearm consisting of an axe handle taped to a flashlight. The male with the imitation firearm was wanted on outstanding warrants and departed before police arrived. The man was located later and arrested on outstanding warrants.