WEYBURN, Sask. — The flooding that hit Weyburn on Sept. 7 followed a busy week for the Weyburn Police Service (WPS), who responded to 122 calls for service during the week of Aug. 31-Sept. 6.
The WPS reminds residents of the serious dangers associated with playing in or driving through flooded streets.
"Heavy rainfall over a short period of time can cause significant flooding and, in some circumstances, the force of the water can dislodge manhole covers," the WPS said. "Floodwater can make an open manhole extremely difficult to see, creating a serious risk of someone falling into the opening and potentially suffering severe injury."
Motorists are also reminded not to drive through flooded streets. In addition to the potential for significant damage, the WPS said vehicles travelling through standing water can create waves that might cause additional damage to nearby homes and businesses. There is also a risk that a vehicle could encounter an open or displaced manhole beneath the water.
Residents are asked by the WPS to use caution, avoid flooded areas and ensure children and youths understand the potential dangers.
In other recent police news, members received a complaint Sept. 2 involving a woman driving a van who was alleged to have threatened four youths at a local gas station. The WPS said an investigation determined that the woman had insinuated she was in possession of a firearm and could harm the youths.
Police located the suspect vehicle and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop. The WPS said the woman was arrested without incident and charged with uttering threats. She was subsequently released on conditions.
Following her release, the woman was apprehended under the Mental Health Services Act and transported to hospital for assessment and care.
A victim of an assault, along with two victims of alleged threats, attended the police station on Sept. 6 to report an incident.
The WPS said an investigation determined that a woman had assaulted a girl, while a man had allegedly threatened to cause harm to a boy and a woman. Police arrested both individuals without incident. They were charged accordingly and later released on conditions.
Later the same day, police responded to a separate domestic dispute involving an assault. The WPS said a man was alleged to have assaulted a woman. He was arrested at the scene without incident and was later released on conditions.
Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of 18th Street and Warren Avenue on Sept. 4. The WPS said an investigation determined an eastbound vehicle failed to yield and was struck by a vehicle travelling on 18th Street.
EMS attended the scene and assessed both drivers, who the WPS said sustained minor injuries. A woman was charged with failing to yield. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
Police received a Report Impaired Drivers (RID) complaint Sept. 4 regarding a suspected impaired driver. The WPS officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. He was required to provide a roadside breath sample, which resulted in a warn reading. As the driver was under the age of 21, he was issued a 60-day driver's licence suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for three days.
The WPS reminds motorists that Saskatchewan has zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs for drivers under the age of 21. Choosing a safe and sober ride protects people using roads.
