~From the Prince Rupert RCMP
On March 16th, 2012 the Prince Rupert RCMP arrested a Prince Rupert area man for outstanding warrants for arrest.
While in police custody the man indicated to police that he was suffering from pain to his arm as he had recently undergone surgery to his wrist. As it appeared as though he was in medical distress the man was transported to the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital where he was medically treated.
After being treated the man advised that he needed to use the washroom. Once in the hospital washroom the man fled through a secondary door and entered into the hospital hallway. Police were alerted to the man's escape after hearing the water in the bathroom running for an extended period of time. Immediately police contained the area surrounding the hospital and members from the Terrace Police Dog Services attended. Police dog services were able to successfully track the man to an address in the 600 block of Fulton Street and he was taken into custody without incident.
"The Prince Rupert RCMP would like to thank the witnesses who assisted in locating this escapee," stated Cst. Ericson spokesman for the Prince Rupert RCMP.
"We would also like to advise the public that a not time were they at any risk, and that the suspect was located shortly after his escape."
At the time of the escape the man was handcuffed and was wearing leg restraints.
The man, identified as Kyle Canada of Prince Rupert was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Prince Rupert Provincial Law Courts in early April, 2012.
On March 17th, 2012 the Prince Rupert RCMP received a complaint with regards to a man who was observed Kite Boarding on the Skeena River.
The witness had observed the Kite Boarder as they were driving to Prince Rupert from the Terrace area. While in the area of the Tyee Bridge they noted that the boarder appeared to be in distress. Fearing for this persons safety, upon arrival in Prince Rupert they reported the matter to the police.
Shortly after receiving the initial complaint a second call was received, prompting a notification to West Coast Marine Services, Coast Guard and Search and Rescue which started deploying members to the scene. During this time members of the Prince Rupert RCMP General Duty Section had attended the last known area in which the boarder was seen, and located the man safe and sound on the side of the highway and all responding units were stood down.
The Prince Rupert area man advised that he had been boarding on the river when he was suddenly swept away from the strong current and wind. As a result he was forced to dump all of his equipment into the river and swim to shore. Luckily for the man he did not sustain any injuries from the ordeal.
The Prince Rupert RCMP is reminding the public that the Skeena river is a very large and fast moving river. Combined with ever changing weather conditions, there is a significant risk to those who are inexperienced and travel on the water, especially during the winter months.