Though walking and running are great ways to stay in shape and enjoy the weather, RCMP Constable Doug Mesher said he is concerned about the number of reports of “close calls” the Grand Falls-Windsor District RCMP has been receiving between vehicles and pedestrians.
“In the interest in public safety would like to remind our citizens of the rules surrounding walking and running on our roadways,” said Const. Mesher in an email.
The rules he is referring to is Section 128(1) of the Provincial Highway Traffic Act which states where there are sidewalks, including gravel sidewalks, on either or both sides of the road, pedestrians must use them. In the case of areas with no sidewalks, walkers or runners may only use the left side of the roadway or the shoulder of the roadway, the pedestrian must be facing traffic, and there cannot be more than two people walking side-by-side.
Mesher would like to remind residents that failing to abide by these rules could result in a ticket, but added police are more concerned with the safety of citizens.
“We would like to remind all to abide by the rules of the road, and always be aware of your surroundings and environment when out using our roadways,” he said. “Be safe and have a healthy summer.”
Thefts and break-ins
The Grand Falls Windsor District RCMP responded to numerous calls over the past week, including several complaints of theft, attempted theft, and break-ins.
Last Saturday, May 5, police responded to a report of a cabin break-in on Buchan’s Highway – the front door was damaged and number of items were taken from the cabin.
Also on Saturday, members responded to a complaint that a blue Supercycle brand bicycle had been stolen from a property on Coronation Street in Grand Falls-Windsor.
On May 7, Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP responded to a call in Botwood after a man wearing all black clothing and a black ski mask attempted to break into a residence that was under construction. The suspect fled the scene on foot after being confronted by the homeowner. The suspect is described as being 5'7" to 5'8" in height.
Also on May 7, a 61-year-old woman was arrested in Grand Falls-Windsor for shoplifting and released to appear at court at later date.
Other calls
On May 2, a 49-year-old male in Grand Falls-Windsor was arrested after an alleged assault on an ex-girlfriend. The man was held overnight, and released by a judge on an undertaking.
The next day, police responded to a disturbance on Bond Street in Grand Falls-Windsor, no further details were available.
In the early morning hours of May 4, members responded to another disturbance in Grand Falls-Windsor, this time on Earle Street. Several items, including furniture, were damaged in the incident.
Also on this date, Grand Falls-Windsor District RCMP received a report of a coyote sighting in the Grenfell Heights area, the animal was not located.
On May 5, police responded to an incident where a 36-year-old man has allegedly attempted to overdose on prescription pills and proceeded to go to a wooded area. The man was located and taken to hospital, where he was arrested and released.
Road bytes
On May 5, RCMP members arrested a 34-year-old man in Bishop’s Falls for impaired driving, his readings were 140 and 130.
Also on May 5, a 33-year-old woman in Grand Falls-Windsor was issued a seven-day Suspension under Highway Traffic Provincial Regulations for having consumed alcohol.
During the weekend of May 7, RCMP members in Grand Falls-Windsor along with members of traffic services set up two checkpoints in Grand Falls-Windsor. Members issued four tickets for unregistered vehicles, and one ticket to a driver who was driving with no license.
On May 6, a 30-year-old man was issued a seven-day suspension on the Trans-Canada Highway for having consumed alcohol.
Investigations into a number of these cases are still ongoing.
If you have any information about these and other crimes please call the Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP at 489-2121 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
