Law Roundup: Nosey neighbors learn campers remain legal

A neighbor fed up with people living in a camper nearby hit the breaking point when a second camper joined it. They phoned the Columbia Falls Police Department to let officers know that in their mind “it would be a good time for officers to stop by and tell them they can’t live in a trailer long term.” Officers did just that and spoke with the property owner, who assured them that both vehicles were for recreational purposes only. Authorities wrapped up the case by noting both were parked on private property.

The owner of a truck reported the vehicle was struck while parked at a local supermarket.

A motorist reported another driver for speeding eastbound on Fifth Street West. The motorist described it as a Dodge with an orange racing stripe. It passed while the motorist was trying to take a turn.

Officers took in a bicycle left at an area grocery store for several days.

A father called the police looking to get his dogs back. The animals were in the care of his son when they were impounded, he said.

Worried when they couldn’t find their relatives, a teenager called authorities looking for help. Another relative eventually got in touch with the teen to let them know that their missing kin were actually out swimming.

A girlfriend allegedly borrowed her significant other’s vehicle for a quick shopping trip, but never returned. The jilted boyfriend alerted authorities to the missing vehicle, but said he just wanted the car back. If she returned it, he wouldn’t want charges pressed against her, he told police.

Employees with a store’s loss prevention team told authorities that a person in a dark colored Chevrolet Tahoe had just stolen from the business and taken off.

A man suspected he was being followed after hanging out with a woman he knew. He told officers that he was hanging out with her and friends in Martin City when someone became upset and pulled out a gun. He left and no one alerted authorities. He now thinks the person who pulled the gun has accomplices following him, but said he did not need immediate help. Officials suggested he find a new group of friends.

Suspicious of her neighbor, a woman confided to police that she believed he was breaking into her home and stealing things. When officers asked about her security system, which included a camera, she said the neighbor had hacked the device to erase his comings and goings. Officers tried to calm her and told her they could not launch an investigation with no evidence of a crime being committed. She was, they reported, unhappy with the direction the conversation took, but said she would phone back if she ever found someone else in her home.

An angler expecting a pair of packages, one containing prescription sunglasses and the other fishing tackle, learned they were delivered to the wrong address. He eventually got the sunglasses back, but the residents of the other address said they had no knowledge of the fishing gear. He asked authorities to help recoup the tackle.