A story out of St. Leon's Hot Springs near Nakusp tells of a vicious attack on a homosexual man.
RCMP say two cross-country skiiers, relaxing in a hot pool, began conversing with a group of three others including a man in the pool who said his name was Terry.
When conversations between the group led to Terry's discovery that the two men were homosexuals police say Terry got out of the pool and allegedly told his friends he was going to kill the two men.
One of the two male partners got out of the pool and ran into the bush to hide, leaving the victim alone. The victim was viciously beaten as he begged for mercy, suffering cuts and bruising to most of his body and a large cut over the bridge of his nose, and then left alone in the snow.
After the suspect and his friends departed on snowmobiles, the victim's partner was able to help him back to the pool.
Cpl. Bryson Hill in Nakusp said,"Police believe the motive for this crime was one of hate and ignorance relating to the victim's sexual orientation and are urging anyone with information to come forward. This type of crime should not be tolerated in our country."
Police are asking the public's help in identifying the suspect believed to be from Calgary. He is a stalky built Caucasian about 44 years old and six feet tall with a short, flat hair style and bird silhouette tattoo on his chest.
Anyone with information about this crime on Dec. 29 or the suspect is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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When RCMP in Sooke were advised a 16-year-old girl, known by police to participate in high risk activities, was missing, they quickly located her at a Sooke residence.
A family member at the residence initially refused to allow officers inside the home, but the members insisted on checking on the girl's well being and safety.
When members found the girl unconscious and unresponsive, with labored breathing, she was rushed to the hospital emergency where she was listed as critical.
Doctors later told police if they had not found her when they did, she likely would have died.
All indications are that her medical condition was a result of using a combination of illicit drugs, including cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana. It is unknown at this time what long term affects she may have sustained.
"This tragic situation should serve as a warning to any young person who considers using illicit, and dangerous drugs," said Staff Sgt. Steve Wright, Sooke detachment commander.
"I could just as easily be telling you about this young woman's death, as I am about her rescue."
An investigation to identify those responsible for supplying the drugs is continuing at the Sooke detachment, 250-642-5241.
