Last Friday, Sept. 19, turned out to be a very busy night for Kimberley RCMP members. Four impaired drivers were taken off the road and two males were arrested after several vehicles in the Platzl parking area were damaged.

The first incident took place in Marysville around 9:30 p.m. An officer witnessed a driver exit a business and cut off another vehicle. After 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 police received a report of damage to a vehicle. Patrols were made but police did not locate the suspects. 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.” But while dealing with the driver and passenger he noted they fit the description of the suspects in the 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 a vehicle speeding with the music blaring. 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.

Then 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 each of these incidents drivers brought attention to themselves by committing traffic violations.

Officers routinely conduct traffic stops for what may appear to be minor infractions, but often it can lead to far more. 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.

Cpl. Chris Newel,

Kimberley RCMP

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