Drumheller RCMP is reminding drivers to be more present as motorcycle riding season begins.
This comes after two collisions involving motorcycles in just one week.
“Drumheller RCMP have responded to 2 motorcycle collisions during the week of April 22,” said Staff Sergeant Robert Harms. “While those collisions are still under investigation, it is important to note that Drumheller and the area see a high number of motorcycles on the roadways from spring to fall. It is important that all motorists and motorcycle riders be alert, be aware of their surroundings, and operate in a safe manner at all times.”
One such collision occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. Emergency services from Drumheller, including the Fire Department, EMS, and the RCMP responded to reports of an injury collision involving an SUV and a motorcycle at the intersection of Highway 575 and 13th Street SW in Drumheller.
On arrival, emergency crews found a black 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle with significant collision damage lying on its side in the intersection. Also found was a 2015 grey Ford Escape with significant collision damage to the front.
The rider of the motorcycle, a 63-year-old male from Drumheller, was transported by EMS to Drumheller Health Centre with serious but non-life threatening injuries; he was later transported to Calgary Foothills Hospital for further assessment and treatment. The driver of the Ford Escape was not injured.
The RCMP continues to investigate this matter. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in this collision.
The RCMP recommends the following for motorists when sharing the roads:
• Lookout for motorcycles at or near intersections and when making turns;
• Make sure your blind spots are clear when changing lanes;
• Give and ensure adequate space to motorcycles; and
• Avoid occupying another vehicle’s blind spots when travelling.
If you are a motorcyclist, remember the following when riding:
• Wear a properly fitting helmet as well as a protective jacket, pants, gloves, and boots;
• Don’t ride distracted; stay alert at all times;
• Always drive to conditions and posted speed limits;
• Do not ride in the blind spot(s) of other motorists and give sufficient space;
• Do not lane split; and
• Be mindful of sand, gravel, and debris on roadways from winter time.

On April 30th, 2024, at approximately 5:00pm, the General Investigation Section (GIS) of the Drumheller RCMP along with Drumheller General Duty members, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of South Rail Way Avenue in Drumheller, Alberta.

As a result of the search warrant, drugs, money and supporting evidence was seized; including:

Cocaine;
Fentanyl;
Methamphetamine;
Morphine;
4 Cell phones;
Unstamped Illegal Tobacco; and
$1875 Canadian Currency.

As part of the police operation and with assistance from the public, the suspect was located and arrested safely and without incident at the nearby Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club.

The suspect in this matter, Quentin Eatmon, 54 years old, from Drumheller Alberta was also found to be bound by a Release Order and was on a Conditional Sentence Order related to prior drug trafficking. Eatmon was charged with:

Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking;
Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking;
Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking;
Possession of Morphine for the Purpose of Trafficking;
Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
Breach of release order x 2 Counts; and
Breach of his Conditional Sentence Order.

Eatmon was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing on May 1st and his matters were held over; he remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Siksika Nation on May 2nd, 2024 for a bail hearing.

Staff Sergeant Robert Harms of the Drumheller RCMP stated “This police operation is yet another example of the RCMP working to keep our communities safe and holding offenders accountable. We would like to thank the public whom were instrumental in helping investigators locate and ultimately apprehend the suspect.”

If you have any information regarding these matters, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403.823.7590 or contact your local Police Service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.