Hope RCMP weekly snapshot: July 13 to 20

July 23, 2026 - Hope, BC, British Columbia
From: Hope RCMP

Content

Week of July 13 to 20

• Total calls for service: 194
• Property crimes: 15
• Crimes against persons: 12

Assault at gas station

Boston Bar RCMP responded to a report of an assault that occurred at a gas station along Highway 1. An employee had allegedly been assaulted by a customer who did not pay for merchandise and a verbal argument escalated to a physical confrontation. Officers attended and met with the victim who was suffering from injuries requiring medical treatment. The customer reported that they had in fact paid for the merchandise and it appears to have been a misunderstanding with a possible language barrier.  The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine what occurred.

Fake gold scam

Hope RCMP received a report of a fraud involving a 94-year-old victim. The victim was reportedly approached in a parking lot on Klassen Road by a man selling what he claimed to be gold jewelry. The suspect convinced the victim to exchange a large sum of money for the jewelry, claiming he needed funds for a personal emergency. The investigation remains ongoing.

Hope RCMP would like to remind the public to be cautious when approached by strangers selling items in parking lots or other public places, as similar incidents have been reported numerous times over the past several months. Offenders often use high-pressure sales tactics and emotional stories to persuade victims into making quick decisions before they have an opportunity to verify the situation or seek advice. Seniors are also frequently targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and trusting nature. Hope RCMP encourage family members and caregivers to regularly discuss fraud awareness with elderly loved ones, particularly those who live alone or may be vulnerable to unsolicited approaches.

Mischief to telecommunication wires

An employee of a telecommunications company reported that wires had been cut along Highway 3 near Hope. The severed cables were later located a short distance away from the power poles, leading investigators to believe they had been left there for someone to retrieve later. Damage is estimated to be several thousand dollars.

Wire theft and damage to critical infrastructure continue to be an ongoing issue in the area. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity around utility poles, telecommunications equipment, or other infrastructure is encouraged to contact police immediately.

Collision involving mysterious deer 

Hope RCMP received an SOS crash alert during the early morning hours, along with a call from a person involved in a collision on Highway 5 near Shylock Road. Officers located the vehicle resting on the side of the highway with significant damage. The driver, fortunately uninjured, advised police that a deer had run into the side of the vehicle, causing them to lose control. Officers were unable to locate any evidence of a deer in the area and, due to the extent of the vehicle damage, could not determine whether wildlife had been involved. Police suspect driver fatigue may have been a contributing factor in the collision. 

This incident serves as a reminder to ensure you are well rested before driving, particularly when travelling long distances in remote areas, or during overnight hours. Driving while fatigued can impair judgment, reaction time, and decision-making abilities in much the same way as alcohol impairment.

Proactive impaired driving enforcement

An officer stopped a vehicle on 4th Avenue after observing suspicious driving behaviour, including repeatedly looping through the neighbourhood. The driver displayed signs of impairment and provided two “Fail” samples on an Approved Screening Device. The driver received a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

In a déjà vu moment, officers conducted another roadside stop in downtown Hope involving a vehicle that was repeatedly circling the area. The driver showed signs of impairment, provided a “Fail” sample on an Approved Screening Device, and refused to provide a second sample. The driver was issued a 90-day IRP, and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on Coquihalla Street after observing a vehicle leaving a nearby golf course. The driver, who was also the registered owner, was found to have an invalid driver’s licence and admitted to consuming alcohol. The driver provided a “Fail” reading on an Approved Screening Device and refused to provide a second sample. They received a 90-day IRP, a 30-day vehicle impoundment, and a violation ticket for driving without a valid licence.

Hope RCMP remind motorists that if you plan to consume alcohol or drugs, arrange for a sober driver, taxi, rideshare service, or other safe transportation option. Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions in British Columbia. Officers will continue to conduct proactive enforcement and targeted patrols to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roadways, helping keep the community safe.

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