Kimberley RCMP removed four impaired drivers from the road last Friday, September 19. Normally, that many drivers under the influence may come from a checkstop, but that particular evening, the charges all resulted from different traffic stops.
In each of these incidents drivers brought attention to themselves by committing traffic violations, says Kimberley RCMP Cpl. Chris Newel.
“Officers routinely conduct traffic stops for what may appear to be minor infractions, but often it can lead to far more.”
The busy evening began at 9:30 p.m. in Marysville.
“An officer witnessed a driver exit a business and cut off another vehicle,” Newel said. “He stopped the vehicle. The officer noted signs of impairment and obtained a breath sample. It was a “Fail” which means the driver is now prohibited from driving for 90 days and his vehicle impounded for 30 days.”
Just after midnight, the same night, police received the report of the damage to a vehicle in the Platzl parking lot area. There had been a witness to the damage and police were provided a description, Newel says and patrols were made, but police did not locate the suspects.
However, later an officer was making patrols near the ski hill when he noted a vehicle being driven in an unusual manner.
“He conducted a traffic stop and noted signs of impairment, a breath demand was made and the driver blew a “Fail”,” said Newel. “But while dealing with the driver and passenger he noted the two males fit the description of the suspects in the vehicle damage. The identity was confirmed and they were arrested for the damage. It turns out other vehicles were damaged so police will be recommending several counts of Willful Damage. This is in addition to his driving prohibition and vehicle impoundment.”
At 2 a.m. an officer observed another vehicle speeding with the music blaring, Newel reports. He stopped the vehicle and noted the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The breath demand was read and a breath sample was obtained, it was a “Fail”. Again the driver is prohibited from driving for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Finally, at 4:30 a.m. an officer observed a vehicle head towards Townsite that did not comply with the Motor Vehicle Act.
“The driver sped up in what appeared to be an attempt to avoid police, he made some quick turns and managed to make it home, but the officer was right behind him and took him into custody. Again the driver was impaired, he blew a “Fail” and will face the same driving prohibition and vehicle impoundment as the others. Given the manner in which the driver drove to avoid police he was also issued a Violation Ticket for Drive without Reasonable Consideration.”
“In these cases officers were able to safely remove four drivers from the road who were impaired before they caused injury to themselves or others,” Newel said.